In a commanding 103-86 victory, the Boston Celtics kicked off their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic with a statement win on April 20, 2025, at TD Garden. While the Celtics’ depth shone brightly, it was Derrick White and Payton Pritchard who stole the show, propelling Boston to a 1-0 series lead.
White’s sharpshooting and Pritchard’s electric bench performance delivered an exciting blend of precision and energy, underscoring why the Celtics remain a juggernaut in their pursuit of back-to-back NBA titles.
Derrick White’s Masterclass
White, often overshadowed by Boston’s marquee stars, erupted for 30 points, torching the Magic with 7-of-12 shooting from three-point range. His full stat line—30 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks—painted a picture of a two-way dynamo. The turning point came in the third quarter when White drained a three-pointer and drew a foul, completing a four-point play that sparked a 15-4 Celtics run.
That surge turned a close game into a rout, as Boston’s lead ballooned to 20. “We’ve got many different ways we can win,” White said postgame, a nod to the team’s versatility. His seven triples tied a playoff career-high, cementing his status as a critical X-factor.
Pritchard’s Spark Off the Bench
Payton Pritchard, the Celtics’ sixth-man extraordinaire, added 19 points in just 25 minutes, shooting an ultra-efficient 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His fearless shot-making and relentless energy swung momentum when Orlando mounted a second-half push.
Pritchard’s 19 points marked a personal playoff best, building on a stellar regular season where he averaged 22.3 minutes across all 82 games. Together, White and Pritchard accounted for 11 of Boston’s 16 three-pointers, stretching the Magic’s defense to its breaking point.
Game Context and Analysis
The Magic hung tough early, with Paolo Banchero’s 36 points and 11 rebounds keeping them within one at halftime. But Boston’s third-quarter adjustments—forcing six turnovers and limiting Orlando to 18 points—flipped the script. The Celtics turned those miscues into 24 points, showcasing their championship poise.
Orlando’s physical defense and three-point containment (Boston shot 16-of-37 from deep) hinted at a competitive series ahead, but they couldn’t match Boston’s firepower. “It’s Game 1, there’s nerves. Lit crowd. Really loud,” Banchero said, acknowledging the raucous TD Garden atmosphere.
Team Depth in Focus
With Jayson Tatum (17 points, 14 rebounds) and Jaylen Brown (16 points) not needing to dominate, White and Pritchard’s contributions highlighted Boston’s roster strength. Brown played through lingering knee soreness, while Tatum orchestrated the offense. This balance—amplified by White’s 265 regular-season three-pointers and Pritchard’s Sixth Man of the Year candidacy—makes the Celtics a nightmare matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the series shifts to Game 2 on Wednesday, Boston aims to keep the pressure on, while Orlando seeks answers for the White-Pritchard tandem. If these two continue to shine, the Celtics’ playoff road looks paved with promise.
