Frustration Unleashed: Celts Blame Refs for Lack of Control in Latest Loss

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Celtics Face Tough Challenge from the Magic in Playoff Series

In a tightly contested playoff series, the Boston Celtics are finding themselves challenged by the Orlando Magic’s aggressive style of play. This physical approach has taken a toll on key Celtics players, including Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis.

In Game 1, Tatum suffered a wrist injury after a flagrant foul, marking the first playoff game he missed. Game 2 saw Porzingis needing five stitches to close a cut on his forehead from another flagrant foul. By Game 3, Jaylen Brown faced his own setback with a dislocated finger after a hard fall.

Brown expressed concern about the physicality, saying it feels like “not even basketball” at times. He noted that some calls seem to go unnoticed by the referees, adding tension to the matches. “If you want to fight it out, we can do that,” he remarked, pointing to the escalating intensity of the series.

The Celtics lead the series 2-1, but they’ve struggled against Orlando’s tough defense. They tied their season high with 21 turnovers in Game 3, which led to 26 points for the Magic. Boston also faced a slump in shooting, making only nine three-pointers.

Interestingly, the Celtics usually excel from beyond the arc, averaging 17.8 three-pointers per game during the regular season—the most in the league. Yet against Orlando, their shooting percentage has dropped sharply, averaging just 10.7 three-pointers in regular-season games—the lowest against any team.

The Magic boast a powerful scoring defense, allowing only 105.5 points per game this season. Their height and switching defense have frustrated the Celtics’ offensive strategies. This lack of offensive rhythm reflects historical patterns; the Celtics have had a tough time against Orlando, losing the regular-season series 2-1.

Despite a severe bone bruise, Tatum returned to action in Game 3, scoring a game-high 36 points. He focused on pain tolerance and keeping his head in the game. “Just move on to the next play,” he advised.

As for Brown’s injury, he shrugged it off, stating he has “nine more” fingers. With the Celtics also missing starting guard Jrue Holiday due to a hamstring strain, they may need to adapt their strategy fast.

Looking ahead, the Celtics know they must adjust to Orlando’s physical play. Coach Joe Mazzulla noted the importance of crediting the Magic for their defensive pressure. The next game will be crucial for both teams, especially with the series growing more intense each time they meet.

As more fans voice their opinions on social media about the escalating physicality, it’s clear that this series is shaping up to be a memorable showdown. The Celtics will need to dig deep to reclaim control as they head into Game 4 in Orlando.

For more details on the stats and matchup history, you can explore this comprehensive ESPN analysis.

This version maintains focus on the key elements of the Celtics-Magic series while offering insights into the implications of their play styles and historical context.

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