Closing out a series can be difficult, as the Celtics were reminded on Tuesday. They trailed Orlando by two at the half, with Tatum shooting 6-of-9 from the field. He would only make four more field goals on the night, but the six-time All-Star took advantage of the foul line. Tatum made all 11 of his attempts in Game 5, extending his streak to 37 consecutive made free throws. With New York losing to Detroit on Tuesday, the Celtics will have a rest advantage to begin the second round, regardless of who their next opponent will be.

Tatum put together another strong outing vs. the Magic in his second game back in the lineup following a wrist injury that sidelined him for Game 2. Tatum’s points total in Sunday’s victory was his highest of the series and the second consecutive game in which he tallied at least 36 points. Additionally, Tatum grabbed double-digit rebounds for the second time in the opening round, giving him his second double-double of the 2025 postseason. He’ll have a chance for a third-straight 30-point game in Tuesday’s Game 5.

Tatum is making a return from a nasty wrist injury that forced him to leave Game 1 and miss Game 2. With Jrue Holiday out with a hamstring injury, Horford will get another start for the defending champions as they look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.