The Boston Celtics opened their 2025 NBA Playoffs campaign with a commanding 103-86 victory over the Orlando Magic on April 21 (PH time) at TD Garden. The defending champions made a strong statement in the first game of the series, fueled by a lights-out performance from Derrick White.
White caught fire early and never cooled off, finishing the game with 30 points on an efficient 10-of-18 shooting from the field, including 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. His offensive explosion set the tone for Boston, who are aiming for back-to-back championships this postseason.
Vintage D-White performance 🤌 pic.twitter.com/GRgRnH9CN9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 20, 2025
Jayson Tatum contributed a double-double with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists before a scare in the fourth quarter when he injured his hand during a dunk attempt. The play resulted in a flagrant foul on Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Tatum later confirmed to reporters that X-rays on his wrist came back negative, calming concerns among Celtics fans.
Payton Pritchard also delivered off the bench, tallying 19 points while connecting on 4-of-6 from three-point range. Jaylen Brown added 16 points as Boston maintained control throughout the contest, dominating both ends of the floor.
Despite the loss, Orlando found a bright spot in Paolo Banchero, who led all scorers with 36 points and 11 rebounds in a powerful individual showing. Franz Wagner added 23 points and five assists, but the rest of the Magic struggled to keep pace with Boston’s balanced attack.
;Paolo Banchero at BOS:
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 20, 2025
36 PTS
11 REB
4 AST
14-27 FG
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/UXXrdDoscP
The Magic, returning to the playoffs for the second straight year, are looking to build on last season’s experience after a first-round exit. However, they’ll need to regroup quickly to challenge a Celtics squad determined to repeat as champions.
With Game 1 in the books, Boston takes an early lead in the series and continues its title defense with confidence and momentum.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
