Through three games of this first-round series, the seventh-seeded Magic have displayed a physical style of basketball that the defending champion Celtics say they believe is over the line.

Not even an expected late-game rally could save the Celtics from what was mostly a miserable offensive performance Friday at Kia Center. A series they would prefer to end quickly was just extended for at least two more days as the Magic won, 95-93, battering and bruising the Celtics in the process.

The Boston Celtics are back in the NBA playoffs and will try to defend their title in 2025. Up first for the reigning champs is a first-round series against the Orlando Magic and Boston took care of business at home to kick things off by winning Game 1,