Friday night was a tough night for the Boston Celtics whereas they had been dealing with a middle of Kia enraged in Orlando, Florida, with Orlando Magic Trustworthy within the hope of inspiring the Native Metropolis staff to descend 0-3 to the title champions within the first spherical of the NBA qualifiers.
The Magic held their house home with explosive efficiency by Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, who led the staff with 32 and 29 factors, respectively.
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The Magic additionally intensified its defensive efforts within the third quarter, holding the Celtics at 11 factors of the season. Even with the celebrity again Jayson Tatum within the programming after a wrist harm and marking a 36-point prime, they fell within the Magic 95-93.
Boston represented 19 reversals, 13 by Jaylen Brown and Tatum mixed, and an uncommon evening past the arc, going 9 for 27.
April 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, United States; The Magic Guard of Orlando Cole Anthony (50) defends the Celtic goalkeeper of Boston Jaylen Brown (7) within the second quarter of the third spherical match for the NBA 2024 qualifiers on the Kia Middle. © Mike Watters-Imagn Pictures
Within the post-match presser after match 3, Brown expressed his frustration with what he thought of extreme physique on the two ends of the court docket on Friday night.
“There may very well be a fight break or one thing,” stated Brown after the loss. “As a result of it begins to have the impression that it’s not even basketball, and the referees don’t management the setting. So, that is what it’s.”
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“If you wish to battle, we will do it. We will battle to see who goes within the second spherical.”
Throughout the taking pictures on Sunday morning, Cole Anthony was invited to what he considered the apparently veiled menace of Jaylen Brown after match 3 Friday night.
“I am with a gang buck, I do not even do not care. We’re all right here for hoop. ” Anthony stated it is a bodily collection: “I like it. We do not play a contactless recreation. We play a bodily recreation. It’s a contact sport. You need to be able to be touched.”
The magic was bodily demanding on the defensive facet of the ball all of the season, disturbing the rhythms of the opponents and limiting second likelihood alternatives. There have already been budding friction on this collection which may arrive at a head if the C match Orlando’s Power.
The Magic even watches the collection of match 4 in opposition to the Celtics on Sunday at 7 p.m.
