The Boston Celtics have officially advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after dispatching the Orlando Magic in five games. Tuesday night’s 120–89 Game 5 victory at TD Garden sealed a 4–1 series win, as Boston turned a gritty, hard-fought first half into a second-half blowout behind dominant offensive execution.
While Orlando managed just one win in the series, their defense tested Boston’s patience and forced creative adjustments. With more offensive firepower behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the outcome might have been very different. But Boston’s superior talent eventually broke through.
As the Celtics await their next opponent — with the Knicks-Pistons series still ongoing — here are three key takeaways from the first round.
1. Jayson Tatum Is in Playoff Form — Injury or Not
After suffering a bone bruise on his right wrist in Game 1 and missing Game 2, there was reason to worry about Jayson Tatum’s impact. Instead, he responded with one of the most impressive postseason stretches of his career.
From Games 3–5, Tatum averaged 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He went a perfect 37-of-37 from the free throw line and hit 44% from deep — a major leap from his 34.3% regular-season mark. The wrist issue may linger, but right now, Tatum is locked in.
2. Kristaps Porzingis Must Bounce Back
While Tatum excelled, Kristaps Porzingis struggled throughout the series. He averaged just 12 points and 5.8 rebounds, shot 2-for-17 from three, and was a liability defensively — especially when matched against Wagner in the paint.
Porzingis’ trademark post-ups faltered against smaller defenders, and his four total blocks were underwhelming considering Orlando’s paint-heavy attack. His off-series didn’t hurt Boston this time, but tougher matchups lie ahead — and Porzingis will need to return to form.
3. Boston Must Evolve Beyond Iso-Heavy Play
Orlando turned this series into a physical slugfest, slowing the tempo and forcing Boston into isolation-heavy possessions. Tatum and Jaylen Brown carried the offense, but it came at the cost of contributions from players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
The second half of Game 5 showed what Boston’s offense can look like at its best — fluid ball movement, perimeter shots, and attacks off closeouts. That version of the Celtics is nearly unstoppable. If they want to avoid the traps of last year’s playoffs, they’ll need to stay committed to that style moving forward.
With a few days of rest ahead, the Celtics have time to recover and regroup. If Tatum continues his MVP-level play and the team leans into their full offensive arsenal, they’ll be a formidable threat in the next round — no matter who they face.