Celtics Dominate Magic 103-86 in Playoff Opener

BOSTON - In a commanding start to the NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics secured a 103-86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their first-round series. Derrick White emerged as a standout performer, scoring 30 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 17 points despite enduring a concerning fall late in the game.

The match showcased the Celtics' depth, with Payton Pritchard adding 19 points off the bench. Jaylen Brown, who faced knee issues in the regular season, returned to contribute 16 points, playing 31 minutes. This performance is a promising sign for the Celtics as they aim to defend their championship title.

As the game progressed, Tatum experienced a painful fall after being fouled by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope while attempting a dunk. Although he briefly lay on the court, he managed to shake off the injury and remained in the game. Post-match X-rays revealed no serious damage, providing relief to Celtics fans.

Orlando was initially competitive, leading by a point at halftime after limiting Boston's three-point shooting to just 7 of 15 in the first half. However, the Magic struggled in the third quarter, committing six turnovers that allowed the Celtics to outscore them 30-18, establishing a firm 78-65 lead heading into the final period.

Despite Paolo Banchero's impressive performance for the Magic, scoring 36 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, Orlando's overall performance was hampered by 15 turnovers, which led to 24 points for Boston. Banchero acknowledged the challenges of playing in a high-pressure playoff atmosphere, noting the nerves that affected their offensive execution.

As the Celtics prepare for Game 2 on Wednesday, they will look to build on this strong start and continue their quest for another championship.