The Orlando Magic are back in their first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
Orlando rode an 18-1 run in the third quarter to erase a 10-point halftime deficit, eventually pulling out a 95-93 victory Friday night, putting the series record at 2-1 in favor of Boston.
Although the Celtics scored just 11 points in the third quarter — their lowest mark in a period since November 1, 2021 — forward Jayson Tatum made his return from a bruised right wrist that forced him to miss Game 2 on Wednesday.
Tatum injured the wrist in Game 1 on Sunday when he tumbled to the court and landed on his right hand, forcing the wrist to bear much of his weight and momentum.
The Celtics listed Tatum as questionable headed into the game, though he did suit up.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tatum’s return to the court from his right wrist injury:
How many points did Jayson Tatum score Friday against the Orlando Magic?
Not only did Tatum play nearly 40 minutes Friday night, trailing Derrick White for most on the Celtics by only 15 seconds of game time, Tatum led all players in the game with 36 points on 10-of-22 shooting (45.5%).
Tatum converted 4-of-10 shots from beyond the arc, but he was aggressive in attacking the paint and drawing fouls. Tatum connected on all 12 of his free throw attempts.
Tatum also hauled in nine rebounds and dished out four assists, though his seven turnovers were also a game-high.
With the Celtics trying to claw back into the game in the fourth quarter, Tatum faced difficult defensive assignments, often forced into taking contested 3s and spinning fadeaway jumpers.
Jayson Tatum vs. Magic highlights
Throughout the game, Tatum was aggressive, though he shined brightest in the second quarter; at one point in the period, he scored eight straight points in a little more than a minute.
Tatum also moved into 15th place on the NBA’s all-time list of made playoff 3-pointers, surpassing Chauncey Billups (267).
