The Boston Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Wednesday night’s Game 2 of their first-round Eastern Conference matchup against the Orlando Magic, an obstacle that Boston had no problem overcoming. The Celtics took care of business at home with a 109-100 victory to go up 2-0 in the series.
Jaylen Brown stepped up in Tatum’s absence and put up 36 points, ten rebounds and five assists while Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points, ten rebounds and two blocks.
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Despite concerns that Orlando could grab an upset win with Tatum sidelined, the Celtics held a lead for the majority of the game. Their performance prompted a number of reactions from NBA fans.
2 – 0 lead without Tatum.. seemed too easy ????
— ⚡️ Apex (????,????) (@ApexOnChain) April 24, 2025
Worst defending champs in nba history
— PushTush Sports (@pushtushsports) April 24, 2025
Celtics got that dawg in em, Tatum or not. ????
— Alex☝️????️luc, Unruggable inc ????☠️???? ????????????????❄️???? (@TheRSD) April 24, 2025
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That’s the type of loss Orlando needs to dwell on as a franchise. “We aren’t close and changes got to be made.” Sort of L
— Josh Eberley ???????? (@JoshEberley) April 24, 2025
Porzingis: 20 PTS | 10 REB | 2 BLK | and a bruise. pic.twitter.com/O8FvWBySZ7
— KRAMPUS (@jimenezxl) April 24, 2025
The Boston Celtics are 2-0 pic.twitter.com/ptGJpNvEjA
— T (@CeltsHoops) April 24, 2025
The series is far from over, but pressure is mounting for the Orlando Magic as they look to defend home court in Game 3 on Friday.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
