The Boston Celtics took the floor at TD Garden on Tuesday April 29, with a chance to put the Orlando Magic on the brink, and once again, it was Jayson Tatum setting the tone.
Coming off back-to-back standout performances, the Celtics star looked locked in from the opening tip. Tatum had already shown he was up for the moment in Game 4, dropping 37 points and pulling down 14 rebounds to power Boston to a gritty road win. And after missing Game 2 with a wrist injury, he hadn’t missed a beat since returning, scoring 36 in Game 3 despite the loss.
In Game 5, Tatum continued to do what he does best. The six-time All-Star and reigning NBA Champion brought his usual mix of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, helping Boston weather Orlando’s physical defense.
As the Celtics looked to close out the series at home, Tatum’s energy and production reminded fans why he’s the face of the franchise.
Jayson Tatum vs. Magic: How Much Did He Score in Game 5
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 35 | 8 | 10 | 62.5 | 80 |
How Did Tatum Perform During Game 5 Against the Magic?
Tatum had an absolute blast in the Celtics’ dominant 129-89 win over the Magic. He exploded for 35 points while stashing eight rebounds and 10 assists in just 34 minutes of play, showcasing his all-around game.
Tatum’s shooting was on fire—he finished 10-of-16 from the field, including an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. That 80% shooting clip from deep is something you love to see, especially when he’s able to stretch the floor like that. He also didn’t miss a free throw, going 11-for-11, showing how locked in he was throughout the game.
He really excelled in the scoring and playmaking department. Not only did he score efficiently, but his ability to dish out 10 assists is a reminder of how much of a playmaker he’s becoming. His vision was on full display, finding teammates in rhythm and creating easy looks for the team.
Tatum Talks About Coach Mazzulla’s Support
Tatum has been on a tear in the 2025 playoffs, but what fans don’t always see is the emotional support behind the scenes. In a recent chat with GQ Sports, Tatum opened up about one of his favorite things Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla says to him during games.
“He always tells me that he loves me,” Tatum shared. “It’ll be the third quarter of a playoff game, and he’ll just say, ‘Just want you to know I love you, man.”
It might sound simple, but in the heat of a physical, high-pressure series like this one against the Magic, moments like that go a long way to hype players to give their best.
Tatum vs. Magic: Head-to-Head Career Stats
Tatum has consistently delivered against the Orlando Magic, averaging 20.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 20 career matchups. But a closer look at some of his standout performances paints a clearer picture of just how impactful he’s been in these head-to-head showdowns.
His last 10 games’ stats in the regular season against the Magic:
- May 5, 2021: 27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
- Nov. 3, 2021: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
- Feb. 6, 2022: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists
- Oct. 22, 2022: 40 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist
- Dec. 16, 2022: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
- Jan. 23, 2023: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
- Nov. 24, 2023: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
- Dec. 15, 2023: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- Dec. 17, 2023: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
- Jan. 17, 2025: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
From dropping 40 points with eight boards in October 2022 to his more recent 30 points, six rebounds, and four assists outing in January 2025, Tatum has shown he can light it up against Orlando, especially when the stakes are high. Even when he’s had quieter nights, like the 14-point performance in November 2021, he still contributed across the board with rebounds and playmaking.
His ability to bounce back has also been a theme. After an injury, Tatum followed it up with a dominant display, scoring 37 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4 of the ongoing playoff series. Tatum’s efficiency and versatility make him a constant threat, whether scoring from deep or attacking the paint.
Overall, the numbers show consistency, but the game tape shows evolution. Tatum isn’t just padding stats; he has matured into a reliable leader who knows how to turn it on when it matters most.
