Celtics Take 3-1 Lead Over Magic in Playoffs

The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 107-98 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series, taking a 3-1 series lead and pushing Orlando to the brink of elimination. The tightly contested matchup was marked by near-identical shooting percentages and minimal separation until the final minutes, when the Celtics closed out the game on a 16-7 run, showcasing their championship experience and killer instinct. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 37 points, 14 rebounds, and key plays in crunch time, while Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis also made significant contributions, overcoming recent injuries. Orlando's Paolo Banchero struggled with foul trouble, picking up his fifth early in the third quarter and limiting his impact during crucial stretches. Throughout the series, the Celtics have consistently capitalized on small, decisive plays—especially from veterans like Al Horford—while Orlando has struggled to maintain composure and execution in pivotal moments. The teams return to Boston for Game 5, where the Magic must win to avoid elimination.