Boston, MA — April 23, 2025 The Orlando Magic gave the Boston Celtics all they could handle in Game 2 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff matchup, but once again, fell just short, losing 109-100 at TD Garden. Facing the defending NBA champions without star forward Jayson Tatum in the lineup, the Celtics proved just how deep and dangerous they remain.
Orlando entered the game with renewed confidence after a strong first-half showing in Game 1 and the knowledge that Tatum would miss Game 2 due to a bone bruise on his wrist. That confidence translated into a better all-around performance, but against a team as loaded as Boston, “better” wasn’t quite enough.
Jaylen Brown took center stage for the Celtics in Tatum’s absence, pouring in 36 points and pulling down 10 rebounds for a dominant double-double. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points of his own, with 10 boards and two blocks, continuing to be a two-way force for Boston. Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard chipped in 14 crucial points off the bench, helping maintain the Celtics’ tempo when the starters took a breather.
The Magic showed signs of growth from Game 1, led by Paolo Banchero’s 32-point performance. The second-year star continued to show poise and leadership under pressure, keeping Orlando within striking distance for much of the night. Franz Wagner added 25 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 15 in a much more balanced offensive effort.
Rookie guard Anthony Black also made an impact, scoring 11 points off the bench—an encouraging sign after the Magic bench was largely silent in the series opener.
Orlando protected the ball well, limiting turnovers to just seven, compared to Boston’s 11. Those extra possessions translated into 15 points for the Magic, showing that they’re capable of playing efficient, mistake-free basketball. Still, the Celtics’ ability to make key plays in crucial moments once again swung the game in their favor.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Boston outscored Orlando 31-24 in the frame, stretching their lead to as many as 15. Though the Magic made several pushes down the stretch, the Celtics always seemed to have an answer.
“They put so much pressure on you from the 3-point line, so then we are spread out a little bit too much,” said Franz Wagner after the game. “For the most part, I thought we did a good job guarding the three. It’s something where you have to trust that and know that a guy will be behind you.”
Head coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s resilience while acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead.
“I loved the way we responded,” Mosley said. “We showed fight, we showed growth. But when you play a team like Boston, you have to be nearly flawless, because they make you pay for every mistake.”
On the adjustments between games, Mosley added, “We tightened things up—our ball security was better, our bench gave us a lift, and we matched their physicality for long stretches. But it’s the little lapses—giving up second-chance points, getting caught on screens—that can tilt the game.”
Still, Mosley remains optimistic as the series heads to Orlando.
“We’re not hanging our heads,” he said. “We’re going home. We’ve been here before, and we know what it takes to win in front of our fans. Game 3 is a new opportunity.”
With the series now shifting to Orlando for Games 3 and 4, the Magic are looking to draw on their home-court advantage. Last year, they bounced back from an 0-2 hole against the Cavaliers by winning both home games. If they hope to repeat history, they’ll need to match Boston’s intensity for a full 48 minutes.
Tip-off for Game 3 is set for Friday night at Amway Center, where the Magic hope their young core and raucous home crowd can help them claw their way back into the series.
