The Orlando Magic matched up against the Boston Celtics on their home court on Friday for a tightly fought Game 3. In a gritty match that saw a total of 40 fouls called and 32 turnovers committed, the Magic put up a huge effort on defense to secure the 95-93 victory.
The Celtics started off strong and jumped out to an eight-point lead thanks to Jayson Tatum‘s tough shotmaking, but costly turnovers allowed the Magic to keep it close.
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Both teams were physical throughout the matchup and despite a solid first half, the Celtics had a third quarter that will haunt them until Game 4. The C’s only managed to score 11 points in the third frame, allowing Orlando’s duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to open up a lead.
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The Celtics made a late-game rally in the fourth quarter, but Orlando’s strong defense outlasted the Celtics and gave the Magic their first win of the series.
Wagner finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to go along with Banchero’s 29 points and six rebounds.
For the Celtics, Tatum put up 36 points and nine rebounds in his return from injury.
The Magic have avoided the dreaded 3-0 deficit and will look to tie the series in Game 4 on Sunday.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
