Image Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

‘The Whistle Was Gonna Head Their Way’ – Magic’s Jamahl Mosley Fumes After Game 4 Loss

Image Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley has now begun questioning the officials after his side lost the fourth game. Mosley took a swipe at the referees, suggesting that they were favoring the Boston Celtics after the comments about officiating from their players in the last game. The 46-year-old felt that the whistle didn’t go in their way for the similar attacks against his side.

Jamahl Mosley said, “How many free throws do you think came down on the backstretch when we didn’t have to foul? 26 total, maybe? That’s too many. We fouled a three-point shooter. But we were attacking the basket the exact same way. We had to understand the whistle was gonna head in their direction after what has been said.”

A frustrated Mosley added, “We just have to continue to be smart there. We talk about physical play, and that’s the way we play. We talk about the back-and-forth battle. And I always talk about our ability to attack the rim. It’s very similar attacks, but not the same foul count. Whether that is physicality prior to, or not. It’s just something we look at.”

With 31 points in Game 4 vs. Boston…

Paolo Banchero joined Tracy McGrady as the only players in Magic history with 3+ 30+ point games in multiple playoff series. pic.twitter.com/EKttAwyTI8
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 28, 2025

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The Orlando Magic coach was furious at the NBA officials and at the same time defended the physical approach of his side. Boston Celtics won 32 free throws in Sunday’s game against Orlando Magic’s 20. The visitors converted 30 out of them, while the home side scored on 14 FT’s.

The number of Free throws dictated the game result as the Boston Celtics emerged victorious with a 107-98 win. The Orlando Magic had 24 fouls, while the Boston Celtics had 17 fouls throughout the physical game.

Is Officiating Really Favoring Boston?

Jamahl Mosley’s comments on officiating standards came after the referees gave out more fouls to the Celtics. However, how much of that remains true? The stats do suggest that Boston Celtics were fouled more, which is why they had the advantage of higher free throw points.

But, Orlando Magic’s increased physical play was a crucial factor in Celtics getting the whistles. Complaints over the physicality of the game and constant injuries on the court may have led the referees to tighten the grip on the game. The Boston Celtics while responding to the physicality used their bigs to take the fight to Orlando but were cautious to not take it too far as well.