Magic Return Home Down 2-0

The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic in game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs last night. The Magic kept this game much closer than the first; they were competitive until the final moments.

Why the Magic Lost

The Magic are simply too top-heavy of a team. There are only two players that can consistently score on their roster: Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. This lack of depth was exploited heavily by the Celtics, as the Magic’s supporting cast only scored 42 of the 100 team points.

Paolo Banchero in Game 2 at BOS:

32 PTS
9 REB
7 AST
2 BLK pic.twitter.com/188hn7VPnl

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 24, 2025

Also, the Celtics outrebounded the Magic 46-34. Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jaylen Brown all hauled in ten rebounds while no Magic player could hit double digits. This massive disparity can be the difference in a close matchup.

Another lowlight for Orlando in the matchup was their three-point shooting. The Magic shot 24.1% from beyond the arc as a team. The Magic will need to hit threes at a much higher clip if they hope to defeat the defending champions.

The Magic did not exploit the lack of Jayson Tatum. Orlando let Jaylen Brown have one of the best performances of his career as Tatum nursed an injured wrist. The absence of Jayson Tatum was the perfect opportunity for the Magic to steal a game away, but they will have to come home now with their backs against the wall.

Looking Ahead

The Magic will come back home to face the Celtics tomorrow night at 7 p.m. (ESPN). This game will be crucial for the Magic’s ability to win the series.