The Boston Celtics opened their playoff run with a statement win—and a collective breath held—after star forward Jayson Tatum took a hard fall late in the game. Despite the scare, Tatum returned to help seal a 103–86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their first-round series.
Tatum, who scored 17 points, went down hard on a dunk attempt in the fourth quarter, clutching his wrist after being fouled by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The foul was upgraded to a flagrant, and while Tatum missed both free throws, he finished the game and later confirmed X-rays were clean. “It was throbbing for a second,” he said. “It kind of went away.”
Boston’s offense was driven by Derrick White’s 30-point performance and a strong bench showing from Payton Pritchard with 19 points. Jaylen Brown, returning from a knee injury, added 16 points and delivered a highlight-reel dunk.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero was electric with 36 points and 11 boards, but the Magic’s 15 turnovers proved costly. A strong third quarter from Boston broke the game open, outscoring Orlando 30–18.
The Celtics host Game 2 on Wednesday, looking to keep momentum alive in their title defense.
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