A Harsh Reality Check for Orlando
The Orlando Magic entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs clinging to the remnants of a promising project. Injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs derailed a season that began with high hopes. Without Suggs — out for the season — and with an offense that sputtered all year, Orlando’s elite defense simply hasn’t been enough.
The lack of outside shooting continues to haunt them, and key players like Franz Wagner and new signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have struggled from beyond the arc.
Celtics Take Control in Game 1
Boston, meanwhile, began their title defense with a clear message: they don’t need to be at their best to dominate.
In Game 1, they beat the Magic 103-86 at TD Garden, pulling away in the second half after a sluggish start.
Despite trailing at halftime (48-49) and shooting poorly from deep early on, the Celtics’ defensive adjustments and superior depth turned the tide quickly in the third quarter.
When Role Players Become Stars
The stars didn’t shine their brightest — Jayson Tatum (17 pts, 14 reb) and Jaylen Brown (16 pts) both struggled, especially from beyond the arc. But Derrick White (30 pts, 7 threes), Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard stepped up with hot shooting and relentless energy.
Their combined 14-of-22 from three-point range proved too much for Orlando to handle, and their performance underscored Boston’s unmatched depth.
Banchero Shines in Defeat
For the Magic, Paolo Banchero (36 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast) was a lone bright spot. His dominance in the first half gave Orlando brief hope, but as Boston tightened the screws, he ran out of support.
Wagner chipped in with 23 points and 5 assists, but his inefficiency from long range remains a major concern. The rest of the team simply failed to contribute offensively, with no other player hitting double digits in scoring.
Orlando’s Offense Lags Behind
Once again, the Magic’s defense, led by a tenacious Jonathan Isaac, kept things competitive early.
But scoring under 90 points in today’s NBA won’t win you playoff games — especially not against the defending champs.
Orlando’s offensive issues are too deep-rooted to be solved mid-series, and unless they find consistency, this could be a short postseason trip.
What Comes Next for the Magic?
Game 1 didn’t just show a talent gap — it highlighted a foundational issue for Orlando. Without shooting, health, and offensive cohesion, their ceiling looks dangerously low.
If the rest of the series follows the tone of the opener, the Magic’s offseason will begin with more questions than answers.
