The NBA Playoffs are built on tension, drama, and defining moments — and the Boston Celtics delivered all three in a nerve-wracking Game 4 win over the Orlando Magic. With their 107-98 victory, the defending champions now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead in their first-round Eastern Conference matchup. It wasn’t easy, but then again, nothing worth winning ever is.
Celtics Hold Off Magic in Game 4 Thriller to Edge Closer to Series Win
At the heart of Boston’s triumph was none other than Jayson Tatum. When the Celtics needed a hero, Tatum stepped up, scoring a game-high 37 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. He was ice-cold at the free-throw line too, nailing all 14 of his attempts — including four massive shots in the final minute to seal the game. In a contest that threatened to slip away, Tatum’s composure stood tall.
The Magic, to their credit, refused to go quietly. After trailing for much of the night, Orlando clawed their way back, tying the game at 91-91 midway through the fourth quarter and sending the crowd at the Kia Center into a frenzy. But as quickly as the Magic drew level, the Celtics answered with ruthless efficiency. Boston rattled off 10 of the next 11 points to reassert their dominance and silence the home fans.
For a few heart-stopping minutes, it looked like Orlando might have flipped the script. But the Celtics, seasoned and battle-tested, leaned on their playoff experience when it mattered most. Every possession became a test of nerves, and Boston passed with flying colours.
Eastern Conference Sees Celtics, Knicks, and Pacers Seize 3-1 Leads
Boston’s 3-1 advantage puts them firmly in control of the series, needing just one more win to move on. The Celtics aren’t the only Eastern Conference powerhouse to inch closer to the second round, though. The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers also took 3-1 leads in their respective series.
The Pacers put on a clinic against a banged-up Milwaukee Bucks squad, cruising to a 129-103 blowout victory. It was a rough night all around for Milwaukee, made worse by a worrying non-contact injury to superstar point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard, who had only recently returned from a blood clot scare in his right calf, appeared to injure his left leg early in the first quarter. He limped off the court and is set for an MRI scan on Monday. It’s a gut punch for the Bucks, whose playoff hopes now hang by a thread.
Meanwhile, the Knicks survived a wild finish to edge the Detroit Pistons 94-93. But the ending wasn’t without controversy. Pistons’ guard Tim Hardaway Jr had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but missed after contact from Josh Hart. No foul was called, much to the fury of Detroit’s bench and fans. The Knicks won’t care much about the complaints — in the playoffs, it’s survive and advance, by any means necessary.
Western Conference Drama: Lakers Fall to Timberwolves, Staring at 3-1 Hole
Over in the West, the drama was just as intense. The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on the brink of elimination after a gut-wrenching 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4.
Despite big-time performances from their stars — Luka Doncic poured in 38 points while LeBron James added 27 — the Lakers couldn’t find the extra gear they desperately needed down the stretch. Minnesota matched them shot-for-shot, and when it came time to close the game, the Timberwolves simply executed better.
Now the Lakers face the daunting task of rallying from a 3-1 deficit — a challenge they’ll begin tackling back home at Crypto.com Arena in Game 5. With their season hanging in the balance, LeBron and company will have to summon every ounce of championship mettle they have left.
Jayson Tatum’s Masterclass Highlights Why Celtics Are Still the Team to Beat
While Game 4 was full of storylines across the NBA, the headline remains clear: Jayson Tatum is on a mission. His 37-point, 14-rebound masterpiece was the kind of performance that defines playoff legends. Tatum wasn’t just putting up numbers — he was making plays when the Celtics absolutely had to have them.
Free throws may seem mundane, but under playoff pressure, they’re anything but. Tatum’s perfect 14-for-14 showing from the line, including those final clutch shots with the crowd roaring against him, was a reminder of why the Celtics remain the hunted, not the hunters, this postseason.
Boston, the second seed in the East, knows the road ahead will only get tougher. But nights like these — when championship habits shine through adversity — are what forge dynasties. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s resilience afterward, noting, “We stayed poised when it mattered. That’s what playoff basketball is about.”
Magic’s Grit Offers Hope Despite Uphill Battle
While the Magic are staring down elimination, there’s no question they’ve shown signs of a bright future. Young talents like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner continue to blossom under the playoff spotlight, and pushing the defending champs to the brink in multiple games is no small feat.
Orlando may not win this series — few teams overcome a 3-1 hole, especially against the battle-hardened Celtics — but they are gaining valuable experience. The Kia Center was electric, the young core fought tooth and nail, and if nothing else, this playoff run is laying the foundation for what could be a very exciting era in Magic basketball.
Looking Ahead: Game 5 Brings Both Opportunity and Pressure
Game 5 between the Celtics and Magic promises to be another must-watch battle. For Boston, it’s a chance to close the series out on their home court and avoid giving Orlando any sliver of belief. For the Magic, it’s about survival — pure and simple.
The Celtics hold the cards, and if Tatum keeps playing at this level, it’s hard to see them letting this opportunity slip away. But in the NBA Playoffs, strange things happen when teams have their backs against the wall.
One thing is certain: no one is taking anything for granted. Not when seasons, careers, and legacies are all hanging in the balance.
