Celtics Magic Game 3: Rough Third Quarter Costs Boston the Win
The Celtics Magic Game 3 matchup took a tough turn for Boston fans. On Friday night, the Celtics fell to the Orlando Magic 95-93 in a tight contest where a rough third quarter became the turning point. Boston only scored 11 points in that frame, their lowest-scoring quarter all season. Despite a strong push late in the fourth, the Celtics couldn’t bounce back.
The Magic earned their first win of the playoff series, protecting home court and cutting the Celtics’ lead in the series to 2-1. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero took the spotlight for Orlando, scoring 32 and 29 points, respectively. For Boston, Jayson Tatum was the standout, dropping 36 points after returning from a wrist injury that kept him out of Game 2.
Celtics Magic Game 3: Key Stats and Turning Point
Boston’s offense stalled badly in the third quarter. They turned the ball over 19 times total, and Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 13 of those. Three-point shooting also didn’t help, as the Celtics went just 9-for-27 from beyond the arc.
Here’s what stood out:
- Jayson Tatum: 36 points in return from injury
- Jaylen Brown: 19 points
- Derrick White: 16 points
- Celtics: 11 points in the 3rd quarter (lowest of season)
- Turnovers: 19 total (Tatum + Brown = 13)
- Three-pointers: 9 of 27
- Kristaps Porzingis: 0-for-3 from deep (0-for-10 in series)
- Franz Wagner (Magic): 32 points
- Paolo Banchero (Magic): 29 points
Despite the sloppy third, Boston nearly clawed back in the final minutes. But Orlando’s solid defense and energy kept them in control. The win was big for the Magic, showing they can hang with the defending champs.
What’s Next for Boston?
Boston will try to reset in Game 4, looking to avoid a 2-2 series tie. That game tips off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston. The team will need to clean up its turnovers and get more consistent shooting from beyond the arc to avoid another letdown.
“We gave it away in that third quarter,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla after the game. “That can’t happen again if we want to go far.”
The Celtics remain confident, but with Orlando energized and playing at home, Game 4 is shaping up to be another close battle.
More…
- https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/live-updates-magic-highlights-score-game-3/705077/
- https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25189780-jayson-tatum-doubtful-celtics-vs-magic-game-3-severe-bone-bruise-injury
- https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jayson-tatum-injury-update-celtics-star-wrist-upgraded-to-questionable-for-game-3-vs-magic/