The Boston Celtics took a commanding 103-86 victory in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, with Derrick White leading the charge. White finished with 30 points, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and an impressive 7-of-12 from beyond the arc.
After the game, White spoke to reporters about his performance and the team’s approach. “We’ve got many different ways we can win,” White said, highlighting the versatility of the Celtics’ lineup, which was crucial given Jayson Tatum’s quiet night and Jaylen Brown’s return from injury.
White’s offensive output helped Boston stretch its lead to as many as 19 points in the final quarter. Reflecting on his role, White explained, “Just trying to read the game and see where I can put my stamp on the game. Every game’s different, and you’ve got to be ready for whatever the game calls for.”
The Celtics had a strong third quarter, outscoring Orlando 30-18. White credited the team’s pace and defense, pointing to how crucial it is to “get stops, be able to run, and make the right read” in transition. His teammates’ aggressive ball movement also helped him get open looks, contributing to his standout three-point shooting.
Another key factor in Boston’s success was the all-around play of Jrue Holiday, who White described as a “big-time” contributor on both ends of the floor. White acknowledged Holiday’s impact: “He just does so much for our team, and doesn’t care about any of the numbers.”
While White shined offensively, Payton Pritchard also played a pivotal role off the bench, adding 19 points. The Celtics’ defense, anchored by Holiday, forced Orlando into 15 turnovers, leading to 24 points for Boston. Tatum, despite a hard fall in the fourth quarter, contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Brown returned to the lineup with 16 points after missing three games due to knee soreness.
The Magic were led by Paolo Banchero, who posted a playoff career-high 36 points. However, Orlando struggled to maintain their momentum after halftime, as the Celtics capitalized on their mistakes and stepped up defensively.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday in Boston, where the Celtics aim to take a 2-0 series lead.
