Series Overview
3
wins
4
Game 1
Magic 95Celtics 90
Game 2
Celtics 112Magic 94
Game 3
Magic 117Celtics 96
Game 4
Celtics 95Magic 94
Game 4
Celtics 95Magic 94
Game 5
Celtics 92Magic 88
Game 6
Magic 83Celtics 75
Game 7
Magic 83Celtics 75

Game 1 Magic 95 Celtics 90

Paul Pierce (Globe Staff / Jim Davis)

False start

As the second round of the playoffs began last night, Paul Pierce and the Celtics were a little flat -- literally and figuratively -- as they lost the home-court advantage to Orlando. Boston rallied from a 28-point second-half deficit but fell just short.
On basketball

Costly loss in Chicago left them spent

It seemed that from a mental, physical, focus, and preparation standpoint, one day was not enough time for the Celtics to get ready for a new series.

Game 2 Celtics 112 Magic 94

Nice rebound for the Celtics (Globe Staff / Jim Davis)

Nice rebound for the Celtics

Eddie House scored 31 points off the bench, while Rajon Rondo came close to a triple-double in the first half and finished with 15 points, 18 assists, and 11 rebounds as the Celtics steamrolled Orlando in Game 2 to even their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Dan Shaughnessy

Looking like their old selves

Playing for the Celtics is about winning championships. Nothing else. That's what made the 22-year gap so frustrating. And that's what makes the challenge so great for this Green Team of 2009.

Game 3 Magic 117 Celtics 96

Brian Scalabrine (Globe Staff / Jim Davis)

Magic rout Celtics

The Magic did most of the celebrating, at the expense of Brian Scalabrine and his teammates. The Celtics have played in three blowouts against the Magic, falling behind after a 117-96 defeat in Game 3.
Dan Shaughnessy

From a thriller to a snoozer in Orlando

Another stink bomb by the Celtics. Another crummy game. Another night when you could switch to the Bruins or Red Sox without worrying that you might miss something.
On basketball

C's need to guard against this effort

The Celtics can't control who is hurt, or guess who is going to be cold on any given night. But the one staple throughout last season's championship run was their defense.

Game 4 Celtics 95 Magic 94

Oh, 'Baby'! (Globe Staff / Jim Davis)

Oh, 'Baby'!

With four Celtic guards eager to take the deciding shot, the ball ended up with Glen Davis (above), who lofted a 21-foot jumper just before the buzzer to give Boston a 95-94 win. The result evened the playoff series at two games apiece.
Dan Shaughnessy

Imposing man, even bigger shot

It's the one you shoot in the driveway every day when you are a kid. You do this even if you are a big fella and everybody wants you to play close to the basket.

Game 5 Celtics 92 Magic 88

Magical comeback for C's (Jim Davis / Globe Staff)

Magical comeback for C's

The Celtics overcame a 14-point deficit over the final nine minutes of play to edge the Orlando Magic, 92-88, in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Bob Ryan

There's no give in these grinders

The time has come to appreciate the lovable spunk of this Celtics team. There is no Kevin Garnett, nor is there a Leon Powe. James Posey and P.J. Brown are home watching on the high-def. The entire experience is different this year.

Game 6 Magic 83 Celtics 75

Celtics give it away (Globe Staff / Jim Davis)

Celtics give it away

The Celtics led by as many as nine points in the first half, but Boston's 19 turnovers allowed the Magic to take Game 6 and set up a do-or-die Game 7.
Bob Ryan

A big rebound game for Howard

He's pretty big, that kid. Dwight Howard may only have one half of an offensive move, but he's 6 feet 11 inches and he weighs 200-whatever and he's undeniably athletic, and there was never any doubt he was going to bring it in this game.

Game 7 Magic 101 Celtics 82

Cruel trick (Jim Davis / Globe Staff)

Cruel trick

The Magic took a 101-82 victory in the deciding contest of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Celtics' fourth-quarter collapse providing a graphic example of their overachieving nature since losing Kevin Garnett to injury in March.
gallery Game 7 photos  |  video Reaction roundup
Bob Ryan

Helpless against this firing squad

Oh, the most deserving team won, all right. The Orlando Magic will be playing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and they richly deserve that honor after playing as sound and intelligent and skillful a game as a road team can play in a Game 7.
first-round recap > celtics vs. bulls
First-round recap (Barry Chin / Globe Staff)

First-round recap

Relive the Celtics' grueling seven-game series with the Chicago Bulls in the quarterfinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs.