Image Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Knew It Was Going To Be a Hell of a Game- Paolo Banchero on ‘High Intensity’ Win Against Celtics in Game 3

The Magic secured their first 2025 playoffs win against Boston Celtics.

Image Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Star Magic power forward Paolo Banchero talked about the ‘high-intensity’ win against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the first-round NBA Playoffs 2025 series. He credited team effort for the victory and expressed excitement for the upcoming match-up where the Celtics stand a chance to even the series 2-2. Notably, the seventh-seeded Magic pulled off an upset by securing a 95-93 win against the reigning champions on Friday, April 25.

Speaking about it and the final few possessions of the game, Banchero said, “Just high intensity. We made enough plays to win the game. There’s a lot of pressure being down two games to none.” He credited the team’s effort for the win and said, “A great team effort. We knew it was going to be a hell of a game here at home. We want to get the win, have a chance to tie it up to two so we’re excited for the opportunity.”

Notably, Franz Wagner led the Magic at home with 32 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Paolo Banchero contributed 29 points, six rebounds, and one assist. The Magic recorded 42 rebounds, as compared to Celtics’ 39. Derrick White missed a three-pointer that could put the Celtics on tie or win the game just before the clock expired. With it, the home favorites secured a 95-93 win in Game 3, marking their first of the series.

“The Refs Are Not Controlling Their Environment”- Jaylen Brown As Celtics-Magic Series Turns Physical

The first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic turned physical. In Game 1, Jayson Tatum suffered a right wrist injury due to a flagrant foul by the Celtics, which forced him to miss the first game of his playoffs career. In Game 2, Kristaps Porzingis suffered a head injury, which required five stitches.

Also Read: ‘Jimmy Always Says He’s Going To Be Fine’- Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr Shares Updates on Jimmy Butler’s Injury

This wasn’t it, as in the third game, Jalyen Brown dislocated his index finger on left hand after another flagrant foul by the Magic. The seventh-seeded have turned physical in all of their games, and referees’ inaction on these incidents left the 18-time winners frustrated.

Jaylen Brown on how the #Celtics can respond to Orlando’s physicality without crossing the line:

“I don’t know. There might be a fight breakout or something. It’s starting to feel like it’s not even basketball, and the refs aren’t controlling their environment. If we want to… pic.twitter.com/Adc75xzbcD
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) April 26, 2025

The 2024 Finals MVP, Jayeln Brown expressed his disappointment on the same. After Friday night’s loss, he said, “There might be a fight break out or something because it’s starting to feel like it’s not even basketball, and the refs are not controlling their environment.”

Not only this, but Brown also sent a direct warning across the Magic’s camp and said that if they want to fight it out, Boston is ready for it to see which team advances ahead. He added, “So it is what it is. If you want to fight it out, we can do that. We can fight to see who goes to the second round.”

He tallied 19 points, six rebounds, and one assist for the Celtics, who will now meet Orlando in Game 4 on Sunday, April 27 at Kia Center.

Also Read: Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau Calls Out Officiating and Defends Brunson’s Act During Knicks-Pistons Game

Boston Celtics

orlando Magic

Paolo Banchero

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.