Orlando, Fla. — The Boston Celtics clawed their way to a 107-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on April 27, 2025, in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, seizing a commanding 3-1 lead. In a packed Amway Center, the Celtics leaned on a balanced attack and a suffocating defense to quiet the Magic’s home crowd and push Orlando to the brink of elimination.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with a workmanlike 29 points, adding nine rebounds and six assists. His steady hand kept the Celtics in control, even as Orlando fought tooth and nail to knot the series. Jaylen Brown chipped in 21 points and 11 rebounds, bullying his way through the paint for a double-double. Kristaps Porzingis, shaking off a shaky Game 3, dropped 19 points and grabbed five boards, while Derrick White added 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Al Horford, the grizzled vet, swatted five shots, anchoring a defense that held Orlando to 41% shooting.
The Magic, desperate to protect their home court after a Game 3 win, came out swinging. Paolo Banchero poured in 31 points and snagged seven rebounds, carrying the offensive load. Franz Wagner, Orlando’s other young star, contributed 23 points, but the supporting cast faltered. Wendell Carter Jr. managed just 10 points, eight coming in a fleeting third-quarter surge. The Magic’s bench, outscored 34-22 by Boston’s reserves, couldn’t keep pace.
The game stayed tight, with Orlando tying it at 91 with 4:15 left in the fourth. But Boston’s defense clamped down, forcing three turnovers and limiting the Magic to 3-of-10 shooting in the final stretch. Tatum and Brown combined for a 10-2 run, including a dagger three from Tatum with 1:32 to go, sealing the deal. Orlando’s late-game miscues—nine turnovers in the second half alone—proved costly.
Boston’s third quarter was a defensive masterclass, holding Orlando to 11 points on 3-of-17 shooting. The Magic, who shot just 4-of-22 from the field during a brutal 16-minute stretch spanning the second and third quarters, never recovered their rhythm. Despite a spirited push, Orlando couldn’t overcome Boston’s depth and experience.
Game 5 is set for April 29 in Boston, where the Celtics aim to close out the series. The Magic, now facing elimination, need a road win to extend their season.