Another factor was that Jrue Holiday did not play, as he was absent because of a hamstring injury. The Celtics could have used Holiday's ballhandling and playmaking in his absence, and he may have made all the difference,

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, left, during the first half in game 3 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series,, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) AP

Since becoming the Celtics' head coach in 2022, Joe Mazzulla has become a quotable head coach in the association.