In a thrilling Game 5 showdown, Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Boston Celtics with a spectacular performance of 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds against the Orlando Magic. Despite a slow start without a single 3-pointer in the first half, the Celtics rallied behind Tatum's brilliance after Magic star Paolo Banchero found himself in foul trouble. Banchero's absence proved pivotal as the Celtics seized control of the game, ultimately securing a convincing 120-89 victory to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
While Banchero and Franz Wagner fought hard for the Magic, it was Tatum's unyielding prowess on both ends of the court that shone brightest. With his stellar shooting and playmaking, Tatum propelled the Celtics to a dominant second-half performance, showcasing his resilience after overcoming injury earlier in the series. As Boston eyes a potential matchup with either the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons in the next round, Tatum's stellar form and the team's formidable depth signal a promising playoff journey ahead for the defending champions.