The Boston Celtics entered Game 2 against the Orlando Magic without Jayson Tatum, who was out with a bone bruise on his right wrist after an awkward landing late in the fourth quarter of Game 1. Despite missing their superstar, Boston was still able to take care of business at home, defeating Orlando 109 -100.
Credit the Celtics for proving why they are defending champions and getting it done with their depth and defense in Tatum's absence. This was Orlando's best and likely only opportunity to give themselves a puncher's chance in the series, but an issue that plagued them throughout the season resurfaced in their most important game of the season: three-point shooting.
Their lack of shooting was once again exposed as Orlando went just 7-of-29 (24.1 percent) from beyond the arc.
Another ugly shooting night proves the Magic need Anfernee Simons
The Magic were by far the worst three-point shooting team in the association this season at 31.8 percent. Surprisingly, they joined the Blazers as one of the few teams not to make a move at the historic trade deadline.
Magic fans and analysts alike were confounded by their decision to stand pat, as it's incredibly difficult to win in today's NBA if you aren't, at the very least, an average shooting team -- especially with a team like Orlando, which is built around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, where shooting is closer to a weakness than a strength for both stars.
It's a miracle that Orlando even made the playoffs being this poor of a shooting team, and it is a testament to their defense, star power, and, most significantly, the weaknesses of the Eastern Conference.
It's a matter of when, not if, the Celtics eliminate the Magic, whether that's in four or five games. Similarly to the Blazers, the Magic have a busy and pivotal offseason waiting for them. One player who has been long rumored as a potential trade target for Orlando is combo guard Anfernee Simons.
A Simons-Magic pairing makes perfect sense for several reasons. For one, Simons is from the Orlando area, a human element that can't be overlooked.
From the Blazers' standpoint, Scoot Henderson has proven he's ready for an increased role. Portland shouldn't lock themselves into a long-term deal with Simons, with his contract set to expire after next season.
It's even easier to make sense of from the Magic's perspective. Simons' combo guard ability would be valuable and take some of the playmaking burden off of Wagner and Banchero. But most significantly, they desperately need to find shooting. Otherwise, this young core will collapse before it even gets going.
This must-win game that the Magic lost primarily because of their poor shooting was the latest example of that desperation. Whether it's Anthony Black or valuable draft capital, Portland should be the one to capitalize on it this summer.