Magic conjures up the victory: dramatic triumph against the Celtics!
Magic conjures up the victory: dramatic triumph against the Celtics!
The Orlando Magic secured a permanent place in the race for the next round in the first round of the NBA playoffs. After the victory against the Boston Celtics with 95:93 in the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, the team shortened the deficit in the series to 1: 2. This success brings a breath of fresh air and new hope for the Magic, which after two defeats in the first two games do not want to leave prematurely. The Boston Celtics, which were able to show an impressive record of 61-21 in the regular season, still dominate the series.
In the first home game of the series, the Magic could not be underestimated from the start. They sensationally ended the first quarter with a 20-7 run and led after the first twelve minutes with 31-27. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner made a decisive contribution to the lead in this phase and scored 22 points in the first quarter.
key player and crucial moments
Franz Wagner was the outstanding player of the Magic and scored a total of 32 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. His game-winning play in the final minutes secured the Magic the first playoff victory in this series. In addition to Wagner, Paolo Banchero contributed 29 points and 6 rebounds. The two players consistently show their skills and are the driving force in the attack of the Magic.
The Celtics, on the other hand, had to deal with many difficulties. They made a total of 21 ball losses, which was drastically noticeable in a narrow match. Jayson Tatum was able to convince with 36 points and 9 rebounds, but could not avert the defeat. After a strong first quarter, in which the Celtics had expanded a 59-49 lead at half-time, they collapsed in the third quarter. Orlando scored 24 points and only had Boston achieved 11 points, which led to a 73-70 lead in front of the last quarter.
Playoff perspectives
The pressure now lies with the Celtics who want to restore their usual dominance. Despite the previous two victories, the Magic went into the coming game on Sunday (April 27) with new confidence. In this fourth game, the Celtics have the opportunity to make it clear again why they are considered defending champions. The next game takes place in Orlando and the Magic have the chance to compensate for the series. In game 4 it has to be shown whether you can maintain the momentum.
The current series balance presents the teams with further challenges:
| game
| ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 103 | 86 |
| 2 | 109 | 100 |
| 3 | 93 | 95 |
In addition, betting odds for the next games have been set. The Celtics are favorites with a quota of -30000, while the Magic remain below the radar with +4000. On Monday morning (1:00 a.m. MESZ) the Magic could have the opportunity to catch up at the Celtics at eye level.
For Orlando Magic, victory was a crucial step on their way through the playoffs, while the Boston Celtics have to remember that title defense requires hard work. The upcoming games could bring an exciting turn in this first playoff round.
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