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The Boston Celtics etched their name in NBA history during Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic on April 29 at TD Garden. Trailing at halftime, the Celtics roared back to secure a 120-88 victory, becoming the first team in NBA playoff history to win by 30+ points after being down at the break. "The @celtics are the first team in NBA playoff history to trail at halftime but end up winning by 30+ points," OptaSTATS announced on X, capturing the magnitude of the feat.
Jayson Tatum led the charge, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists, per NBA.com, showcasing why he's a cornerstone of Boston's championship aspirations. The Celtics' second-half surge was fueled by a stifling defense, holding Orlando to just 40 points after the break while shooting 60% from the field themselves. The 31-point blowout closed out the series 4-1, advancing Boston to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Boston's dominance wasn't unexpected-they'd won the series' earlier games at TD Garden convincingly, including a 104-99 Game 1 victory and a 112-96 Game 2 rout. However, the Magic kept it close at halftime, leading 49-47, before the Celtics flipped the script. "We just locked in and played our game," Tatum said post-game, emphasizing the team's focus after a sluggish start.
Tatum's 35 points power Celtics to first-of-its-kind playoff blowout
The Celtics' historic comeback adds to their storied playoff legacy. With 18 NBA championships, the most recent in 2024, Boston continues to set benchmarks. Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points, while Derrick White's defensive tenacity earned praise on X, with fans noting his "game-changing steals." Orlando's Paolo Banchero led his team with 19 points, but the Magic's 38% shooting couldn't match Boston's intensity, per ESPN.
This series win highlighted Boston's depth, especially with Jrue Holiday sidelined for Game 5 due to a right hamstring strain. The Celtics' ability to rally from a halftime deficit showcased their championship mettle, a trait that's defined their 2024-25 season. Fans on X celebrated the milestone, with one posting, "Celtics making history again!" as the team gears up for a tougher challenge in the next round.