Magic stun Celtics with late-game efforts by Wagner and Banchero

In Orlando, Florida, on Friday night, the Orlando Magic faced the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. The Magic emerged victorious with a score of 95-93, reducing the Celtics' lead in the series to 2-1. Franz Wagner led the scoring for Orlando with 32 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed significantly with 29 points. The Celtics' Jayson Tatum made a notable return to the lineup, scoring 36 points and securing nine rebounds after missing Game 2 due to a wrist injury. Despite the loss, Tatum's efforts kept the Celtics competitive for the duration of the match. The Celtics had a strong start, initially gaining a 10-point lead, but struggled in the second half, particularly during a 17-minute stretch without a three-point shot. Notably, Derrick White's performance included a layup that tied the game at 91 with just over two minutes remaining. However, Wagner and Banchero's combined scoring during a crucial run allowed the Magic to regain the lead and finish the game on top. This match was part of a tightly contested series, marking the seventh meeting between the two teams in the 2024-25 season. The Celtics will be without Jrue Holiday due to a strained right hamstring as they prepare for Game 4, impacting their roster depth as they aim to maintain their playoff status.