The Boston Celtics have advanced to the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals after a commanding 120–89 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 5. With this victory, the Celtics closed out their first-round series 4–1 in dominant fashion, particularly taking control in the second half. After a competitive first 24 minutes, Boston blew the game wide open with a flawless third quarter, overwhelming the Magic with both high-octane offense and relentless defense.
From the opening tip, the game was energetic and close. Orlando played with urgency, but Boston never looked rattled. The real difference came after halftime, when the Celtics completely flipped the switch.
Magic vs Celtics: An Impressive Second Half Sparks the Celtics to Advance
The Celtics unleashed a third-quarter clinic, outscoring the Magic 36–13 in a stunning display of two-way basketball. The defense tightened up, forcing Orlando into tough shots and turning steals into fast-break opportunities. Orlando’s star forward Paolo Banchero picked up his fifth foul early in the second half, severely limiting Orlando’s scoring options. The Celtics capitalized on this instantly.
Jayson Tatum led the charge with a brilliant all-around performance: 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was everywhere initiating plays, hitting contested shots, and locking in defensively. Jaylen Brown added 23 points, while the team shot 56.6% from the field, including a blistering 13-of-24 from downtown. The offensive rhythm was simply too much for the Magic to handle.
Celtics Game Analysis: Orlando’s Offensive Breakdown
Despite solid individual performances from Franz Wagner (25 points) and Paolo Banchero (19 points), the Magic vs Celtics match clearly revealed Orlando’s offensive shortcomings. The team shot just 37.5% from the field and a woeful 8-of-38 from three-point range. Though they grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, they failed to convert most of their second-chance opportunities.
The Celtics’ defensive schemes worked to perfection switching aggressively, closing out on shooters, and collapsing on drives. Once Banchero found himself in foul trouble, Orlando’s already-fragile rhythm vanished. Boston’s defence suffocated any momentum the Magic tried to build, and the lead only grew as the clock wound down.
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Magic – Celtics: Payton Pritchard Shines in Key Backup Role
With Jrue Holiday out due to a hamstring injury, Payton Pritchard stepped in and delivered a gritty defensive performance. Known more for his offense Pritchard showed that he could also make a major impact on the other end of the court. His on-ball pressure disrupted Orlando’s primary scorers, and his hustle on switches kept possessions alive.
Pritchard’s performance wasn’t just about numbers it was about presence. His energy gave the Celtics a lift, and his ability to fill in seamlessly for Holiday proved just how deep and well-coached this Boston roster is. The Magic – Celtics series might have ended in five games, but Pritchard’s role gave the Celtics an extra edge when they needed it most.
Magic vs Celtics: Key Plays and Series Takeaways
Boston’s Game 5 performance echoed their execution from Game 4, where they also finished strong under pressure. One of the game’s highlights was a soaring alley-oop to Kristaps Porzingis for an and-one dunk, igniting the home crowd. Tatum’s mid-range dagger midway through the third quarter felt like the official turning point—Orlando simply had no answers from that moment forward.
Throughout the series, Boston showcased incredible balance—controlling tempo, punishing mistakes, and hitting big shots when it mattered. Their discipline and trust in each other were evident, and this Game 5 performance felt like the culmination of that cohesion.
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Celtics Game 5 Match Summary: Complete Team Effort Seals the Series
This game was not just about stars; it was a full-team display. Boston’s defense held the Magic under 90 points, while their offense produced one of their most efficient outings of the season. Every quarter, the Celtics raised their intensity, eventually crushing the Magic’s spirit.
With Game 5’s 120–89 result, Boston sent a message: they’re not just moving on—they’re looking like serious championship contenders.
Magic vs Celtics: What’s Next for Boston?
Now that the Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics series is in the books, the Celtics await the winner of the New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons matchup. The Knicks currently lead 3–2, with Detroit forcing a Game 6. For Boston, this brief break is a chance to rest, reset, and scout their next opponent.
Thursday night’s blowout wasn’t just a playoff win—it was a statement. This Celtics game showed depth, poise, and maturity. If Boston continues this form, they’ll be hard to stop as they chase another banner.
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Game 5 Box Score Summary: Magic vs Celtics Final Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Orlando Magic | 24 | 29 | 13 | 23 | 89 |
| Boston Celtics | 28 | 25 | 36 | 31 | 120 |
