When the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic clashed in one other bruising, hard-fought battle, the defending champions added yet one more damage to their listing. Recreation 1 noticed Jayson Tatum undergo a bone bruise in his proper wrist. In Recreation 2, Kristaps Porzingis took an elbow to the top and wanted 5 stitches. Now, after Boston’s Recreation 3 loss to Orlando, Jaylen Brown revealed he dislocated his left index finger following a flagrant foul by Cole Anthony.
All three accidents — the wrist bruise, the top wound, and Brown’s dislocated finger — stemmed from flagrant fouls dedicated by the Magic. Unsurprisingly, Brown voiced his frustration afterward, taking purpose at Orlando’s tough techniques and calling out the referees for letting it slide.
“I do not know. There is perhaps a battle escape or one thing. It’s beginning to really feel prefer it’s not even basketball, and the refs will not be controlling the atmosphere… In the event that they need to battle it out, we will try this,” stated Brown in his post-game interview.
“I do not know. There is perhaps a battle escape or one thing. It’s beginning to really feel prefer it’s not even basketball, and the refs will not be controlling the atmosphere… In the event that they need to battle it out, we will try this.”
– Jaylen Brown 👀
(by way of @JustinmTurpin)
pic.twitter.com/7GrtpWGEP5— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 26, 2025
This collection was at all times going to be a battle, particularly in opposition to a relentless, youthful Magic squad — however Recreation 3 pushed the physicality to a brand new degree. The Celtics faltered below that stress within the second half, watching their 10-point halftime cushion vanish nearly immediately. Regardless of mounting a late push, Boston’s miscues and sloppy execution down the stretch led to their first playoff defeat. They now cling to a 2-1 collection lead over Orlando.
The Orlando Magic dealing with the Boston Celtics at house
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The Celtics coughed up 21 turnovers in Recreation 3, which the Magic changed into 26 factors. In the meantime, Orlando was way more disciplined with the ball, giving it away simply 14 instances. To make issues worse for Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been liable for 13 of these 21 miscues. Orlando’s physicality all through the collection lastly tipped the size of their favor.
Brown wrapped up Recreation 3 with 19 factors and 6 rebounds but in addition dedicated six turnovers. He entered Friday’s matchup as questionable, nonetheless hampered by a lingering proper knee challenge that’s affected him for weeks. The Celtics, as an entire, didn’t match the Magic’s physicality, racking up 21 turnovers. After the loss, Brown voiced his frustration, saying he didn’t agree with a number of calls made throughout the recreation.
The Celtics purpose to bounce again after their highway loss, with each Brown and Tatum gutting it out regardless of pregame damage designations. Tatum, getting back from a bone bruise, didn’t present any indicators of rust—he dropped 36 factors and appeared each bit the All-Star. After shifting from uncertain to questionable, he cleared warmups and delivered when it counted.
The collection is staying put after Orlando snagged a win from the defending champs. The Magic will possible attempt to flip Recreation 4 into one other gritty, chaotic battle—similar to each matchup to date. Now, it’s on the Celtics to reply again when the collection resumes Sunday at 7 p.m. contained in the Kia Middle.