The Boston Celtics fell 95-93 to the Orlando Magic on Friday night in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, and head coach Joe Mazzulla was direct in evaluating what went wrong.
Speaking postgame, Mazzulla credited the Magic’s defensive pressure, while also acknowledging his team’s self-inflicted mistakes.
“You have to give them credit,” Mazzulla said, citing Orlando’s increased ball pressure and physicality both full court and half court. “We also had some ones that we have to be better at.”
The Celtics committed 21 turnovers, leading to 26 points for the Magic, a glaring difference in a tight contest decided by slim margins.
Mazzulla pointed to Orlando’s dominance on the offensive glass as another crucial factor, with the Magic grabbing 15 offensive rebounds that resulted in 16 second-chance points.
“They were more physical than us,” he stated, highlighting the 40-point swing from turnovers and second-chance opportunities.
Despite deploying bigger lineups to counteract Orlando’s rebounding, Mazzulla emphasized that rebounding responsibilities go beyond personnel adjustments.
“Regardless of who’s in, we got to do a better job of rebounding,” Mazzulla noted.
Jayson Tatum returned from a wrist injury to lead Boston with 36 points and nine rebounds, but the Celtics’ second-half offense faltered, going cold from three-point range and struggling with turnovers.
Mazzulla outlined how momentum shifted after a series of pivotal plays midway through the third quarter, including an offensive foul and consecutive three-pointers from Orlando.
“We got to do a better job at the point of attack,” Mazzulla said, stressing the need for improved offensive execution against physical defense.
The Celtics’ final possession ended with Derrick White’s lob pass being deflected, sealing the win for Orlando.
Mazzulla explained that the play was one the team had practiced, but acknowledged that execution was lacking.
Boston also played without Jrue Holiday, sidelined with a hamstring strain, forcing the team to adjust rotations throughout the night.
Orlando’s Franz Wagner delivered a standout performance with 32 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while Paolo Banchero added 29 points and six boards.
The Magic will host Game 4 on Sunday at the Kia Center, aiming to tie the series at 2-2.
