Celtics Edge Magic In Thrilling Playoff Opener

Celtics Edge Magic In Thrilling Playoff Opener...

The Boston Celtics narrowly defeated the Orlando Magic 112-109 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday night. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points, while Paolo Banchero's 28-point effort wasn't enough for Orlando in the final minutes.

The game is trending nationally as fans debate a controversial no-call on Jaylen Brown's potential game-sealing block with 8 seconds remaining. The NBA's Last Two Minute Report, expected Monday, could add fuel to the discussion.

TD Garden erupted when Derrick White hit a clutch three-pointer with 1:12 left to give Boston the lead for good. The Magic had multiple chances to tie but missed three attempts in the final possession.

This marks Boston's seventh straight playoff win against Orlando dating back to 2010. The teams meet again Wednesday night for Game 2, where the Magic will look to even the series before it shifts to Florida.

Social media lit up with reactions to Banchero's breakout playoff performance. The 21-year-old All-Star silenced critics who questioned his ability to perform under postseason pressure.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team's defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter. Orlando's three-point shooting dropped from 42% in the first half to just 28% after halftime.

The game drew strong TV ratings on ESPN, peaking at 5.3 million viewers during the final minutes. It was the most-watched first-round playoff game since 2018 in the early Sunday window.

With Milwaukee and Philadelphia also winning their openers, the Eastern Conference playoff picture remains highly competitive. Analysts suggest Boston's ability to close out tight games could prove crucial in their championship aspirations.