BOSTON – The Boston Celtics are one win away from advancing in their pursuit of back-to-back NBA championships, with a chance to close out their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Orlando Magic in Game 5 on April 29 (April 30, Singapore time) at home.
Boston secured victories in the first two games of the best-of-seven series at TD Garden, while the teams split the next two in Orlando. A 107-98 win in Game 4 gave the Celtics a 3-1 series lead.
“They’ll come out hard to try to end this series and get some rest,” said Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. “But we’re playing with urgency. We need this win to extend the series to Game 6, and we’re excited for the challenge.”
Game 4 was knotted at 91-91 before the Celtics surged with a 10-1 run and outscored the Magic 16-7 down the stretch.
“That was a big road win in a tough and physical setting against a team hungry to knock us out,” said Boston’s Jaylen Brown. “Now we regroup and get ready to defend home court.”
The series has been marked by Orlando’s aggressive style, which the Celtics have embraced. “We had to match that physicality control the boards, focus on the little things, and stay disciplined. There’s still room for improvement,” Brown added.
Free throws played a crucial role in Game 4, with Boston converting 30 of 32, including six late-game attempts as Orlando fouled. Jayson Tatum was perfect from the line, going 14-for-14, while Brown hit nine of 10. In contrast, the Magic made 14 of their 20 attempts.
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley commented on the physical play and foul discrepancy: “We pride ourselves on attacking the rim, and while the foul counts are uneven, we need to adjust and stay aggressive.”
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been consistent scorers, each posting at least 23 points in every game. Banchero has topped 31 points in three of the four matchups. “This is win or go home,” said Wagner. “We’re going into Boston with the right mindset to force a Game 6.”
Should Orlando win Game 5, the series will return to their home court for Game 6 on May 1. They’ve beaten Boston in three of four games at home this season.
In other playoff action on April 28, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a dominant 4-0 sweep over the Miami Heat with a 138-83 blowout win. Led by Donovan Mitchell’s 22 points, six Cavaliers players scored in double figures, ending the Heat’s postseason run in front of their home fans.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors edged the Houston Rockets 109-106 to take a 3-1 lead in their series. Jimmy Butler paced the Warriors with 27 points, and Brandin Podziemski added 26. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 31 points in a losing effort.
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