Celtics Shatter Playoff Records with Game 5 Blowout Over Magic
In a playoff series packed with surprises and soaring emotions, the defending champion Boston Celtics delivered a historic knockout punch in Game 5 against the Orlando Magic. With a 120-89 victory, the Celtics not only closed the NBA first-round series on April 29, 2025, but also etched their names into the record books with the largest playoff win margin ever by a team trailing at halftime.
Backstory: High Hopes and Rising Tension
Coming off a commanding 61-21 regular season, the Celtics were clear favorites. As defending champions, their playoff pedigree was unquestioned. In sharp contrast, the Orlando Magic entered the fray as the 7th seed after battling through the Play-In Tournament with a .500 record. Yet, led by young talents like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, the Magic gave fans a surprise with their early resistance, especially in Game 3 where they eked out a 95-93 victory.
Game by Game: From Challenge to Collapse
The Celtics jumped to an early series lead but stumbled in Game 3 on April 25, allowing Wagner’s 32 points to pull Orlando back. But the champions responded fiercely. On April 27, Jayson Tatum shrugged off a nagging wrist injury to drop 37 points in a Game 4 win, giving Boston a 3-1 edge.
Then came Game 5: a tale of two halves. At halftime, Orlando led by 2, and fans prepared for another nail-biter. But when Banchero picked up his fifth foul, the momentum shifted drastically.
"When Banchero went to the bench with five fouls, Boston scored 31 of the next 40 points - an avalanche Orlando never recovered from." — The Associated Press
The Celtics shot a blistering 54% from deep, shredded the Magic's defense, and held Orlando to wounded offensive spurts — all while Jaylen Brown played through a knee issue.
A Historic Finish, An Emotional Lift
As the final buzzer echoed through TD Garden, the scoreboard read 120-89. But it wasn’t just a win. It was history in motion.
"The 31-point margin of victory is the largest ever in NBA playoff history for a team trailing at halftime." — Dick Lipe, NBC Sports Boston researcher
For Orlando, it marked a painful lesson in playoff experience, as Banchero could only watch helplessly from the pine, visibly frustrated. For Boston, it was a reaffirmation of their reigning-crown identity, turning adversity into artistry on their home hardwood.
Watch the Highlights
Further Reading
Explore more about Boston’s unforgettable playoff night from these official sources:
- Celtics Close Out Magic With Record-Breaking Game 5 Win – CBS Sports
- Tatum's Dominant Return Powers Celtics to Series Win – FOX Sports
- Historic Comeback Caps Celtics' First-Round Series – Sports Illustrated
Conclusion
✔️ The Celtics cemented their status as playoff legends with a breathtaking 31-point second-half surge.
✔️ In a moment of triumph and heartbreak, the night reminded fans that the NBA playoffs aren’t just about stats—they’re about resilience, emotion, and unforgettable momentum shifts.
