Celtics Lead Magic 3-1 After Physical Series

The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic's first-round playoff series has intensified, with Orlando's physical play resulting in multiple flagrant fouls and injuries to Celtics stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis. Celtics players, particularly Brown, have criticized the officiating and warned that the escalating physicality could lead to further incidents. Despite these challenges, Boston secured a pivotal 107-98 victory in Game 4, driven by Tatum's 37 points and 14 rebounds, to take a 3-1 series lead. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley defended his team's approach as typical playoff basketball, while the Celtics responded by matching Orlando's intensity. The series has also featured notable strategic shifts, including Orlando's effective full-court press in Game 3, which forced a season-high 21 Boston turnovers. The Celtics' resilience has kept their championship hopes alive as the series continues.