Sun Apr 27 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Celtics Accuse Magic of Excessive Physicality After Game 3 Loss

**ORLANDO, FL** – The Boston Celtics are accusing the Orlando Magic of employing overly physical tactics in their first-round playoff series, following a thrilling 95-93 loss in Game 3 on Friday night. The game saw multiple flagrant fouls resulting in injuries to key Celtics players.

Jaylen Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, suffered a dislocated index finger after a flagrant foul. Jayson Tatum, playing despite a severe bone bruise in his wrist sustained in a previous game, and Kristaps Porzingis, who required stitches after a previous game’s flagrant foul, also voiced their concerns.

Brown expressed frustration with the referees’ failure to control the game’s physicality, hinting at the potential for escalating tensions. “There might be a fight break out…it’s starting to feel like it’s not even basketball,” he said. Porzingis echoed these sentiments, describing the fouls as “borderline” and suggesting the Celtics need to adapt to this style of play.

The Magic’s physical defense significantly impacted the Celtics’ performance. Boston committed a season-high 21 turnovers, leading to 26 Orlando points. Their three-point shooting also suffered, falling far short of their season average. The Celtics, despite leading at halftime, were outscored 11-18 in a pivotal third quarter.

Despite the injuries and physical play, Tatum delivered a game-high 36 points, demonstrating his resilience. He attributed his performance to pain management and a determination to persevere. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised the Magic’s defensive intensity but also emphasized the Celtics’ need to improve their response.

The series is currently 2-1 in favor of the second-seeded Celtics, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Orlando. The physical nature of the series and the Celtics’ struggles in Orlando this season raise questions about how Boston will approach the remaining games. The Magic, who have held the Celtics to their lowest points per game and lowest three-point percentage in the regular season, seem determined to maintain their aggressive strategy.

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