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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 28: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the ... More Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Kia Center on October 28, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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The Orlando Magic got on the board on Friday night. They earned a 95-93 win over the Boston Celtics, making this first-round matchup a 2-1 series. But the mood wasn't overly celebratory post-game, understanding the challenge in front of them.
If the Magic come up short in Game 4 on Sunday, they'll return to TD Garden on the verge of elimination.
When asked about the keys to a fast start to play from ahead and what it will take for Orlando to tie this series against the NBA's reigning champions at two, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley immediately pointed to the team's mentality entering Game 4.
"I think it's always a mentality, the way in which we approach this game, understanding we [have] got to take care of home court, our ability to defend the right way," said Mosley during his pregame media availability. "Offensively, can we move it? Can we share? Can we play with pace, all those little, small pieces that we've talked about from Game 3. Can we have that carryover?"
Orlando was the best team in the Association at limiting opponents' three-point takes and makes in the regular season. It has carried over into stunning success against the Celtics.
Boston, far and away, led the league in shots from behind the arc in the regular season. The Celtics hoisted 48.2 threes per game. The next closest team was the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry and Co. took 42.4.
However, in the playoffs, that number has fallen off a cliff. The second seed in the Eastern Conference is attempting only 33.7 threes per contest, per . That ranks 11th in the postseason.
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