There’s something about playoff basketball that brings out the best—and sometimes the worst—in teams. And on Tuesday night, April 29, 2025, the Boston Celtics reminded everyone why they’re a force to be reckoned with. In a commanding 120-89 win over the Orlando Magic, Boston didn’t just close out the series—they made a statement.
From explosive individual performances to complete team dominance, this wasn’t just another postseason game. It was a showcase of talent, poise, and execution. Let’s break down the key player stats and moments that shaped this lopsided affair.
Jayson Tatum Leads the Charge: A Star in Full Form
If you ever questioned Jayson Tatum’s ability to rise under pressure, this game silenced all doubt. The Celtics forward was nothing short of sensational, dropping 35 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing 8 rebounds. His efficiency was striking—going 10-of-16 from the field, 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line.
This wasn’t just a great performance; it was a leader putting his team on his back and saying, “Let’s finish this.” Tatum set the tone early and never let up, delivering one of his most complete playoff performances to date.
Supporting Cast Steps Up Big
Tatum may have been the headliner, but the Celtics’ supporting cast was in rhythm too:
- Jaylen Brown chipped in with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Though he went 0-for-2 from three, his relentless driving and mid-range shots kept Orlando’s defense on its heels.
- Kristaps Porzingis, in just 22 minutes of action, added 19 points and 5 rebounds. He was efficient and precise, nailing 7 of his 14 shots and sinking two threes.
- Derrick White filled the stat sheet with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. His court vision and hustle plays gave Boston a constant spark.
- Al Horford contributed a quiet but steady 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 34 minutes. His veteran presence helped anchor the defense and space the floor.
This kind of depth is what championship teams are made of. When multiple players contribute across the board, it takes the pressure off the stars and wears opponents down.
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| Search Intent | Informational — users want detailed player stats and game analysis |
| Target Audience | NBA fans, sports bloggers, stat analysts, Celtics and Magic supporters |
| Primary Entities | Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, NBA, Jayson Tatum, Franz Wagner |
| Associated Date | April 29, 2025 |
| Content Type | Sports recap blog post, stats analysis, post-game review |
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The Magic Struggled to Find Their Groove
On the other end of the floor, the Orlando Magic looked flat and outmatched. While a few players had individual flashes, the team’s overall shooting and cohesion were sorely lacking.
- Franz Wagner tried to carry the load with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, but it came on 10-of-22 shooting and no made threes (0-of-4).
- Paolo Banchero, one of Orlando’s brightest young stars, added 19 points and 9 rebounds. He had some strong drives and a pair of made threes, but his 6-of-15 shooting line reflected the team’s overall inefficiency.
- Wendell Carter Jr. managed a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds), bringing physicality in the paint, but even his efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide.
Other Magic players struggled to make an impact. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had just 8 points on 3-of-9 shooting. Cole Anthony and Caleb Houstan combined for only 3 points in significant minutes. Several players, including Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz, didn’t see action at all, possibly due to coaching decisions or injury concerns.
Shooting Disparity Tells the Story
When you dive into the stats, the biggest difference is clear: shooting efficiency.
Boston shot a blistering 56.6% from the field and 54.2% from three. That kind of shooting stretches defenses and creates momentum. In contrast, Orlando shot just 37.5% overall and a miserable 21.1% from beyond the arc (8-for-38). You’re not going to win many playoff games with that kind of output.
This wasn’t just bad shooting luck. The Celtics’ defense closed out aggressively, contested shots, and forced Orlando into uncomfortable situations throughout the game.
Third Quarter Blitz: The Knockout Punch
If there was a moment where this game completely turned, it was the third quarter. Boston came out of halftime with fire in their eyes and outscored the Magic 36-13 in the period.
Yes, you read that right—36 to 13.
This stretch showcased everything that makes the Celtics dangerous: quick ball movement, suffocating defense, and relentless pace. The Magic couldn’t keep up, and by the time the fourth quarter started, the game—and the series—was already over.
Bench Impact and Rotations
While the Celtics starters carried most of the weight, there were key moments where role players stepped up to maintain the energy.
- Sam Hauser hit a bucket and grabbed a couple of boards in limited minutes.
- Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet didn’t score but moved the ball well and played smart.
- For Orlando, Gary Harris and Jett Howard made the most of short stints—Howard hitting two threes in just three minutes. But it was too little, too late.
Boston’s ability to balance minutes, maintain tempo, and keep fresh legs on the floor made a noticeable difference as the game wore on.
Celtics Close Out the Series 4-1
This wasn’t just a win—it was a series closer. Boston took the series 4-1 and looked every bit like a championship contender while doing it. They executed when it mattered, crushed the momentum out of the Magic, and sent a message to the rest of the league.
For the Magic, it’s a tough ending to a season that showed promise. With young talent like Banchero and Wagner, they’ve got pieces to build around. But games like this show there’s still work to be done before they can truly contend.
Final Thoughts: Boston Looks Built for a Deep Playoff Run
If you’re a Celtics fan, you have to be excited. Not only did your team dominate the Orlando Magic in this game, but they did it with style, confidence, and balance. Tatum is peaking at the right time. Brown and White are reliable co-stars. Porzingis is fitting into his role. And the depth is real.
Looking ahead, Boston’s path won’t get easier. But performances like this—where every player contributes, and the team fires on all cylinders—are exactly what it takes to chase a title.
The Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic match player stats tell a story of domination, poise, and execution. And if this game is any indication, the Celtics aren’t just here to compete—they’re here to win it all.
