On Friday night, Franz Wagner contributed 32 points and Paolo Banchero added 29, leading the Orlando Magic to a narrow victory over the Boston Celtics, finishing the game at 95-93. This victory has now reduced the Celtics’ lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series to 2-1.

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum made a significant comeback, scoring 36 points along with nine rebounds after previously missing the second game due to a wrist bruise.

The reigning NBA champions had an impressive road record of 33-8 this season but are struggling in Orlando, now at 0-3 for the current season. The Magic will host Game 4 this Sunday.

Despite only scoring 11 points in the third quarter, Boston managed to catch up to 91 on a layup by Derrick White with 2:31 left to play. Wagner quickly responded with a layup, and after Tatum missed his shot, Wagner scored again, extending the lead to 95-91 with just 1:26 remaining.

In a frantic ending, White scored again, but a missed 3-pointer from Wagner allowed the Celtics a final chance with only 0.3 seconds left. White’s inbound pass was thwarted, sealing the victory for the Magic.

Jaylen Brown scored 19 for the Celtics, who struggled with their shooting, particularly throughout the second half where they failed to land a 3-point shot for 17 minutes until Al Horford managed to sink one with 6:20 to go in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics played without Jrue Holiday, who is dealing with a right hamstring strain.

Tatum, despite being listed as doubtful earlier that day, made a strong first-half showing with 21 points, helping the Celtics to take a 10-point lead.

The combination of Wagner and Banchero fueled a pivotal 14-0 run that put the Magic ahead, concluding the third quarter at 86-74.