Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs 2025: Clutch Play from Franz Wagner Guides Orlando Magic Crucial Win over Celtics, Ties All-Time Playoff Head-to Head with Boston

Both teams will stay in Orlando to play Game 4, and the Magic will have a chance to tie the series 2-2.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic held their nerves in the final minutes to clinch a crucial win over the defending champions, Boston Celtics, 95-93. Franz Wagner’s consecutive baskets in clutch time assured a two-point victory on Friday night. The Magic also snapped their three-game losing streak against the Celtics in the NBA playoffs.

Franz Wagner led Orlando with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists on 11-for-27 shooting. Paolo Banchero added 29 points, and Wendell Carter Jr had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Jayson Tatum finished with 36 points and nine rebounds on his return after injury. Jaylen Brown added 19 points and Derrick White had 16. It was the fifth consecutive defeat for Boston at Orlando’s home court.

BACK-TO-BACK CLUTCH BUCKETS FOR FRANZ WAGNER 👀

Magic lead by 4 with under a minute to go in Game 3 on ESPN!!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google | BOS (2-0) ORL pic.twitter.com/4Vf6tw3vNH
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2025

Also Read: NBA Awards 2024-25 – Complete List of NBA Awards Finalists Revealed

Third Quarter Surge Guides Orlando Home After Boston’s Flawless Start

The Boston Celtics made a fluent start to Game 3, and they were heading to a convincing victory after outscoring the Magic 32-18 in the second quarter. The Magic flipped the 10-point deficit to a three-point lead in the third quarter. Boston carried a 59-49 lead into the break. But Orlando opened the second half with a 10-0 run and used a 24-11 scoring edge in the third period to claw back.

The Celtics’ missed shots fueled the surge for the Magic. Orlando stretched the lead to 79-70 at the beginning of the final quarter. Boston sparked a 9-0 run to reduce the deficit to three points with 5:52 left in the game. Derrick White’s two-point shot helped Boston to tie the score at 91 points with two minutes to play.

Wendell Carter Jr. puts the Magic on a 14-0 run 👀

Orlando coming out firing in the 3Q on ESPN!

BOS-ORL | Game 3 | #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/HfvSj0La3e
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2025

Franz Wagner made two straight driving layup shots, and Orlando held a four-point lead. Derrick White’s dunk with 28 seconds left brought the deficit to two points. Franz Wagner missed a three-pointer, but Jayson Tatum’s missed shots and defensive rebounds assured the Magic’s first victory in the series.

Also Read: Boston Celtics Playoff History- How Have Celtics Performed in NBA Playoffs So Far?

Both teams will stay in Orlando to play Game 4 on Sunday, and the Magic will have a chance to tie the series 2-2. Orlando also tied the all-time playoff head-to-head with Boston with a 4-5 record in home court matchups. The Celtics also lost their third straight playoff game in Orlando, and their previous win came in May 2010 when they secured a 4-2 series win to reach the NBA Finals.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.