The defending NBA Champions are the Boston Celtics, and to many, they’re the favorites to win it all again. In the first round of the playoffs, they faced off against the young Orlando Magic squad. The Magic were one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference earlier in the regular season, but injuries derailed their momentum, dropping them to the seventh seed.
In the Eastern Conference, a No. 2 seed facing a No. 7 is typically a mismatch—and this series was no different. The Celtics made quick work of the Magic, winning four out of five games. Despite being banged up during the series, Boston got the job done and now awaits the winner of the Pistons-Knicks series.
“As the Celtics look in the rearview at a series in which several of their players were injured on flagrant fouls, they felt a measure of satisfaction not only that they won in five games but that they won by playing a version of basketball far different than their norm,” Baxter Holmes wrote.
Jayson Tatum revealed that this season has been the most enjoyable of his career.
“So obviously the goal is still the same this year to win and compete for a championship, but I’ve just enjoyed this season of playing carefree basketball and not having that hang over my head,” Tatum said.
In the series, Tatum had the chance to play against fellow former Duke Blue Devil Paolo Banchero, who looked up to Tatum during his own time at Duke. Tatum shared his excitement about Banchero’s growth.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“I got to talk to him a little bit in the hallway after the game. I didn't say two words to him during the series… I couldn't be happier for him and the player that he's become,” Tatum said.
Both Tatum and Banchero are Duke alumni. Tatum played before Banchero and often served as a mentor during Banchero’s time in Durham. Now, they’re both living out their dreams in the league, supporting one another along the way.