Celtics Defeat Magic 103-86 in Game 1 Playoff Win

The Boston Celtics secured a 103-86 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, overcoming lackluster offensive performances from stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis thanks to standout efforts from their supporting cast. Derrick White led all scorers with 30 points, while Payton Pritchard added 19 off the bench and outscored the entire Magic bench, also providing critical defensive pressure. Head coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted Jrue Holiday's pivotal third-quarter performance, noting his leadership, physicality, and defensive intensity as key factors in turning a halftime deficit into a decisive lead. Mazzulla experimented with various lineup rotations, including double-big lineups, ultimately relying on the team's depth to find the right combinations. Despite a dominant performance, Mazzulla emphasized the need for improvement in rebounding, boxing out, and maintaining focus, anticipating adjustments from the Magic. The Celtics are aiming for back-to-back championships, staying vigilant and determined as the series continues.