Orlando Magic led by Franz Wagner's 32 points, win game 3, 95-93 at home; still trail Boston Celtics 2-1

Game 3 scoring summary / Orlando Magic win / Headline SurferPhotos courtesy of Orlando Magic for Headline Surfer / TOP: Franz Wagner scores two of his team-high 32 points early in the first quarter to take game three over the Boston Celtics, 95-93, on Friday, April 25, at home in Orlando, Florida. The Magic now trail the Celtics 2-1 in the best-of-seven series in the NBA Eastern Conference.
BELOW: Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Jason Tatum of the Celtics, returning from a sore wrist, scramble for a loose ball early in the second half of the game. 

By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Magic defeated the Celtics, 95-93, tonight in Orlando, led by Franz Wagner with 32 points, along with eight assists and seven rebounds.

Paolo Banchero contributed 29 points, six rebounds, and two steals in the win, but the Celtics lead the series 2-1.

Jayson Tatum returned from a bruised wrist and finished with a team-high 36 points along with nine rebounds, four assists, and four three-pointers for the Celtics in the losing effort.

Tatum, who was listed as doubtful late Friday afternoon, scored 21 points in the first half, leading the Celtics to a 10-point lead. Jaylen Brown had 19 points for the Celtics, who went 17 minutes without a 3-point basket in the second half.

Wagner and Banchero combined for nine points on a 14-0 run that pulled the Magic ahead, and they led 86-74 after the third quarter.

Banchero & Tatum scramble for the ball / Headline SurferTatum, who was listed as doubtful late Friday afternoon, scored 21 points in the first half, leading the Celtics to a 10-point lead. Jaylen Brown had 19 points for the Celtics, who went 17 minutes without a 3-point basket in the second half.

Wagner and Banchero combined for nine points on a 14-0 run that pulled the Magic ahead, and they led 86-74 after the third quarter.

The Celtics lead the series 2-1.

Game 4 is Sunday, April 27, at Orlando.

Multimedia video

Headline Surfer YouTube download / House of Highlights video / Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic - Full Game 3 Highlights | April 25, 2025 | 2025 NBA Playoffs.

Celtics win game 2 / Headline SurferPrevious Related Coverage

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Henry Frederick is an award-winning journalist who launched Headline Surfer in 2008. The site serves the greater Daytona Beach, Sanford, and Orlando areas via HeadlineSurfer.com in Lake Mary, Florida. Frederick earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University in Orlando. He was a breaking news reporter (metro cops & courts beat) for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for nearly a decade, and before that, the same beat with The Journal-News/Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Rockland/Westchester counties, NY, dating back to 1989. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and covering other high-profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary shows on Discovery ID, Reelz, and the Oxygen Network series "Snapped" for his analysis. Assisting Henry Frederick with Headline Surfer is Sera King, who writes sports and feature stories, takes photos, and shoots video. •  Bio: https://henryfrederick.com/.