Boston Celtics Overcome Orlando Magic To Win Game 1

The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 103-86 in Game 1, taking a 1-0 series lead. Derrick White scored 30 points and had seven three-pointers. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were dominant, combining for 59 points, but it was not enough. Orlando kept it close and took the lead at halftime, but in the second half, Boston pulled ahead. The Celtics began their back-to-back championship campaign with a win at home.

A Close First Half

Despite their 61-21 record, the Boston Celtics lost the season series to Orlando 2-1. The Magic threw the first punch on a Franz Wagner layup, and both teams proceeded to trade baskets. A big reason for their edge over Boston in the regular season was their physical defense, and it was no different in the playoffs. But White scored five quick points to give the Celtics their first lead. They went on a 7-0 run. Orlando answered with threes from Wagner and Banchero, but Boston maintained their lead. At the end of the first quarter, the Boston Celtics led 26-18. White had 8 points, while Banchero and Wagner each had 7.

Payton Pritchard heated up and began the second quarter with six straight points, extending the Boston Celtics’ lead to double digits. Wagner continued to score, getting to the rim and knocking down shots. He and Banchero carried the offensive load for the Magic and helped them trim the deficit. Orlando went on a 9-0 run, bringing it down to a two-point game. Banchero was on fire, scoring from every spot on the floor. A Kentavious Caldwell-Pope three gave the Magic the lead. Their defense stifled the Boston attack, and their two stars were surgical on offense. At halftime, Orlando led 49-48.

The Magic’s first half was led by the two-headed monster of Banchero and Wagner. Banchero had 19 points, shooting an efficient 7-of-13 and 3-of-4 from three. Wagner had 15 points on 7-of-14 shooting. The duo combined for 34 of Orlando’s 49 points. Their defense was physical, forcing tough shots and getting the Celtics out of rhythm. They were also dominating the glass with 10 offensive rebounds. The Boston Celtics had a good start, but the Magic’s defense was stunting their stars. White led with 16 points and Pritchard had 11, but Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown struggled offensively.

The Boston Celtics Pull Ahead

The Boston Celtics started the third quarter on a 6-0 run to take the lead. White converted a four-point play, helping Boston extend their lead. A Jrue Holiday steal and transition three-pointer put them back up by double digits. After a scoreless first half, Holiday scored 9 points in the third quarter and threw an alley-oop to Brown. The Celtics’ stars were finally beginning to roll, turning defense into offense for transition baskets. The TD Garden was rocking, and they went up by as many as 17 points. But Orlando made a run to close the quarter, trimming it down to 11. Through three quarters, the Boston Celtics held a 78-67 lead.

White stayed hot to start the fourth quarter, hitting another three. A Pritchard three put them back up by 17. Banchero continued to dominate, but the Boston Celtics maintained their lead. There was a scary moment for Boston fans as Tatum drove to the hoop and was fouled on a dunk attempt. He went down after the play, hurting his wrist, but stayed in the game. He buried a deep three a few possessions later, and White made another soon after. This gave them a 19-point lead, effectively sealing the game. Boston pulled their starters for the final minute and secured a 103-86 victory in game one.

Final Thoughts

This win gave the Boston Celtics a 1-0 series lead over the Magic. White led the team with 30 points, shooting 7-of-12 from three. Pritchard had 19 points off the bench. Tatum had a rough first half, but like the Celtics, he eventually got going and helped them pull ahead. He finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds. His wrist will be something to watch out for as the series continues.

Banchero had a magnificent performance, scoring 36 points and adding 11 rebounds. Wagner was not far behind with 23 points. But the rest of the Magic offense struggled, as Banchero and Wagner combined for 59 of their 86 points. However, their top duo and defensive toughness can make this a competitive series.