The Orlando Magic’s season came to an abrupt end on Tuesday night, as they were defeated 120-89 by the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Following the loss, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley addressed the challenges his team faced, including a critical turning point in the game and the lessons learned from their postseason run.
In his post-game comments, Mosley expressed frustration over the review of Paolo Banchero’s fifth foul, which he believed had a significant impact on the outcome. “It definitely swung the game,” Mosley said, pointing to a moment when Banchero picked up two fouls in quick succession, forcing him to the bench. Without their star player, the Magic struggled to maintain their momentum, as the Celtics went on a decisive 31-9 run in the third quarter.
Mosley also addressed the series of fouls Banchero committed within a short window, noting the challenges his player faced driving to the basket. “He was driving to the basket and not getting calls,” Mosley explained, adding that Banchero’s frustration likely contributed to the fouls. Despite the setbacks, Mosley praised his team for their resilience, with multiple players stepping up throughout the season in the face of injuries to key contributors.
Shooting struggles have been a consistent theme for the Magic this season, and Game 5 was no exception. The team’s poor shooting from beyond the arc, where they hit only 21.1% of their attempts, further hindered their ability to mount a comeback. Mosley acknowledged the difficulties but remained hopeful. “We’ve got to continue to fight through by defending the right way,” he said. “We got great looks, but the ball just didn’t go in.”
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 35 points and 10 assists, capitalized on Orlando’s shooting woes. Boston’s defense was suffocating, holding the Magic to just 37.5% from the field, and their offensive efficiency was on display as they shot 54.2% from three-point range. The Celtics’ dominant third quarter, coupled with Orlando’s inability to respond, sealed the Magic’s fate.
In the aftermath of the loss, Mosley emphasized the growth of his young team, particularly Banchero, who had carried a heavy load throughout the series. “Paolo has grown a ton,” Mosley said, reflecting on the challenges faced by the rookie. He also noted the team’s collective growth, stressing the importance of reflecting on the series and improving for the future. “You went toe-to-toe with the champs… small margins of error,” Mosley said, urging his players to focus on the lessons learned.
Despite the elimination, Mosley is optimistic about the Magic’s future. He commended the players for their perseverance throughout the season, especially when faced with adversity. “No matter the circumstances, no matter the adversity, no matter what you’re hit with, you find ways to step up and step into the moment,” he stated.
