The Boston Celtics wrapped up their first-round series against the Orlando Magic with a dominant 120-89 Game 5 win, securing a 4-1 series victory. Head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke with the media following the win, reflecting on the strategic adjustments that led to the team’s success.
Mazzulla highlighted the pivotal moment when Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, who had been a significant offensive force, fouled out in the third quarter. “When he sat, that allowed us to get the three-pointer really flowing,” Mazzulla explained. The Celtics took full advantage of the situation, launching a 31-9 run to end the third, which propelled them to a commanding lead.
The Celtics also capitalized on Orlando’s shift to a double-big lineup, which disrupted their usual defensive schemes. “They did less switching, and when there’s less switching, there’s easier two-on-ones,” said Mazzulla. This adjustment allowed the Celtics to execute more efficiently, particularly on offense.
Mazzulla also praised his team’s composure, specifically pointing out Jaylen Brown’s playmaking and defense. Brown contributed 23 points and played a key role in pushing the pace, an area Mazzulla emphasized after Game 3, when the Magic managed to slow the Celtics down. “His efficiency this series was off the charts,” Mazzulla noted, citing Brown’s ability to get to his spots and create opportunities for his teammates.
Despite Orlando’s physicality, which took Boston out of their usual rhythm earlier in the series, Jayson Tatum’s poise under pressure stood out. Tatum finished Game 5 with 35 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, leading his team to victory. Mazzulla acknowledged Tatum’s patience in adjusting to Orlando’s defensive strategies: “He did a great job of staying patient, going through his progressions.”
One of the more telling statistics from the game was Boston’s ability to adapt offensively. “We have to figure out how we’re being guarded and create an advantage,” Mazzulla explained. Despite struggles from beyond the arc in the first half, the Celtics shot 54.2% from three in the second half.
With the win, the Celtics now advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they will face either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons. As they prepare for their next opponent, Mazzulla stressed the importance of staying focused on improvement: “Every series, every game calls for different stuff. We have to be ready for whoever we play against.”
