Celtics Collapse Late in 95-93 Loss to Magic Amid Turnovers and Coaching Missteps
In a game that came down to the final seconds, the Boston Celtics squandered multiple opportunities and fell to the Orlando Magic 95-93 in a frustrating loss defined by turnovers, poor decision-making, and questionable coaching choices.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were both active—but not always in the right ways. Tatum poured in 36 points on 10-of-22 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds, but committed several costly turnovers down the stretch. Brown added 19 points but struggled with ball control and decision-making, turning the ball over multiple times while often forcing the issue offensively.
Perhaps the most baffling decision of the night came from head coach Joe Mazzulla, who left Brown in the game until just 40 seconds remained—despite his clear struggles on both ends. That non-substitution loomed large as the Celtics failed to generate clean offense or contain Orlando’s physical wing players late in the game.
The Celtics’ offense lacked flow throughout, especially in the second half, and Sam Hauser once again failed to make an impact. Logging 13 minutes, Hauser went scoreless and was a non-factor defensively—a continuation of a deeply underwhelming postseason performance. With Joe Mazzulla hesitant to go deeper into the bench, the margin for error shrunk dramatically, and Boston paid the price.
Kristaps Porzingis had one of his worst games of the postseason, finishing with just 6 points on 3-of-10 shooting. With Derrick White and Al Horford contributing solid efforts—White notching 16 points and 5 assists, and Horford adding 6 points and 7 boards—it still wasn’t enough to make up for the sloppy ex*****on and mental lapses.
On the other side, Orlando was led by Paolo Banchero’s 29 points and Franz Wagner’s 32. Despite shooting just 41% from the field and 25% from deep, the Magic dominated the offensive glass (15 offensive rebounds) and kept applying pressure defensively, forcing key turnovers and out-executing the Celtics late.
The absence of Jrue Holiday continues to loom large for Boston. His poise, defense, and ability to calm the offense in tense moments were sorely missed. Until he returns to full health, the Celtics are relying on lineups that often can’t hold up under postseason pressure.
Boston now faces real questions—both on the court and on the sideline. If Mazzulla can’t find the right adjustments and the stars continue to underperform in key stretches, this promising season could slip away faster than anyone expected.
Boston Celtics You Can’t Handle The Truth
Weekly podcast focusing on the Boston Celtics and other major NBA news.
04/24/2025
Celtics Outlast Magic in Hard-Fought Victory Behind Brown’s 36-Point Explosion
Boston, MA — The Boston Celtics powered past the Orlando Magic 109-100 on Tuesday night in a hard-fought matchup at TD Garden, led by a dominant 36-point performance from Jaylen Brown and clutch contributions from across the lineup.
Brown was in full control from the opening tip, shooting an efficient 12-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-7 from deep. He also added 10 rebounds and 5 assists, stuffing the stat sheet and lifting the Celtics on both ends of the court.
Despite strong individual efforts from Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, who posted 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Franz Wagner’s 25 points on 50% shooting, the Magic struggled to find consistent scoring elsewhere. The team finished just 7-of-29 from three-point range (24.1%), a cold shooting night that ultimately cost them in a tightly contested game.
Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 20 points and 10 boards for Boston, while Derrick White and Jrue Holiday combined for 28 points and 11 assists. Jayson Tatum, returning from a rest day, came off the bench but didn’t register any minutes, listed as a DNP-Coach’s Decision.
Payton Pritchard provided a crucial spark off the bench, knocking down 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and finishing with 14 points in 33 minutes of action.
The Celtics pulled away late in the fourth quarter thanks to a stifling defensive stretch and timely buckets from Brown and White. Orlando’s late push, led by backup big man Goga Bitadze (2 points, 3 rebounds) and a quick scoring burst from Gary Harris (4 points), wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit
01/24/2024
We are back!!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rpv0ZfniLlayQK0NTOg1q?si=FAwMwuBvSpmNCgEC3VWiLw
Big News! Listen to this episode from (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth on Spotify. Tune in as we discuss the recent win over the Mavs and trades.
12/08/2023
New episode. Billy and I discuss the Pacers loss. 🏀
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yBWg3vYE51m1anxoSqr8n?si=NXGTA5rrTJGptRIv-3FhTQ
Bounced from the tournament Listen to this episode from (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth on Spotify. Hali goes off against Boston, booting us from the tournament. Looking to rebound against the NYN Friday.
12/01/2023
In season tournament win ✅
(Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth: Tournament Hoopla on Apple Podcasts Show (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth, Ep Tournament Hoopla - Nov 30, 2023
11/18/2023
Best RECORD!! ☘️
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CItQpuj2Ro7JjIPZiwx2U?si=Zy26XyAfSlWs3f4wUFIP_Q
We are going streaking! Listen to this episode from (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth on Spotify. Celtics have the best record in the East. We discuss the recent road trip and the big win vs the 76ers.
11/08/2023
This is a must LISTEN 🎧 👂 ☘️!!!!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RnAFG6upFo0b7mdlVidke?si=dKEdgQ6eTVKCL4cvfZA8cA
Undefeated no more Listen to this episode from (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth on Spotify. Listen in as we discuss what went wrong vs the T-Wolves. We also discuss how this team needs to finish their first 20 games, and compare vs past championship teams.
11/01/2023
Halloween Special!! 🎃🧙♀️😱
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Etnp4Lln2olWTtwSM5gxo?si=Q4w1r0AKQvSlxMxumu-hgQ
Best Record 3-0 Listen to this episode from (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth on Spotify. Listen in as we discuss the win vs the Heat and Wizards.
10/26/2023
1-0 on the season. Unicorn on full display!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yWbWihVthzXJ0qdtCjWOp?si=MLbqNZ1cRwS0n_vCx40d0Q
Unicorn on full display Listen to this episode from (Boston Celtics) You Can’t Handle The Truth on Spotify. Listen in as we discuss the Celtics first win of the season also discussing opening night among the NBA.
10/25/2023
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