Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown took charge in Game 2, leading the team to a 109-100 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a wrist injury, Brown stepped up with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to help the Celtics take a 2-0 lead in the first-round Eastern Conference series.
Brown’s dominant performance was highlighted by a 17-point fourth quarter, where he shot 12-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
In his post-game comments, Brown downplayed any personal satisfaction, focusing instead on the team’s overall effort. “It’s just another game,” Brown said. “I’m not here to feel vindicated. We’ve got more to do.”
Despite the physical play from Orlando, Brown’s fast start was crucial. He described the game as “physical all night long” and mentioned how hitting his jumper early allowed him to open up the floor for his teammates. “It came down to making plays for my team,” he added, emphasizing the importance of playing within the system.
Kristaps Porzingis also contributed significantly, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Although he suffered a forehead laceration in the third quarter that required five stitches, he returned to shoot free throws after a flagrant foul from Orlando’s Goga Bitadze. “Even through injury, he came out and competed,” said Brown, praising his teammate’s resilience.
Derrick White added 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Jrue Holiday chipped in with 11 points and six assists. The Celtics shot 45% from the field, converting 12 three-pointers and maintaining control with a strong finish in the final quarter. Boston’s 46-34 rebounding advantage and 25-of-33 free-throw shooting helped seal the win.
Orlando was led by Paolo Banchero, who posted 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Franz Wagner also contributed 25 points, but the Magic struggled with their three-point shooting, hitting just 24.1% of their attempts.
As for Game 3, which will be held in Orlando on Friday, Brown knows the team must continue to improve. “There’s definitely room for improvement,” he said. “We need to adjust quickly and be ready for the next challenge.”
