Celtics Star Has Clear Problem Amid NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 6:38 AM ET

Despite Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for 55 points, the Boston Celtics lost Game 3 of their NBA playoffs series against the Orlando Magic.

Paolo Banchero had 29 points in Orlando's 95-93 win, while Franz Wagner led the team in scoring with 32. Wendell Carter Jr. was the only other Magic player to score in double digits with 10.

While the Celtics were clearly deeper than the Magic, several lapses ended up costing them the game. Boston committed 19 turnovers, allowing Orlando to score 28 points off those mistakes.

The Beantown team's bench unit was also outscored by the Magic's, 18-9.

The main storyline after the game was how the Celtics were unable to match the Magic's physicality. For Brown, however, there's more to that issue.

Speaking to reporters postgame, Jaylen Brown aired his problem about how the game was officiated. He suggested that the referees appeared to favor the Magic more and didn't call enough fouls on the home team.

While the Celtics star emphasized that he has no problem with the physicality, he wishes that the officiating had been more balanced. For what it's worth, Brown had five personal fouls—four of which came in the second half.

"I don't have a problem with the game being physical, but it seems like when I use my physicality, I get called in the opposite direction," Brown shared, per CBS Sports.

"That's what my frustration was. It was just a tough whistle tonight."

It is also interesting to note that several fans complained about the officiating in the game, with many arguing that it's the reason why Boston lost.

Regardless, the Celtics need to move on quickly and turn their focus on Game 4. They are still ahead 2-1 in the series, and they have shown in Games 1 and 2 that they are more than capable of handling the Magic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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