Tatum returns, drops 36 in Game 3 loss to Magic

Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum returned for the team's 95-93 Game 3 defeat to the Orlando Magic in their first-round series.

Tatum, who missed Game 2 with a bone bruise in his wrist, led all scorers with 36 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 39 minutes. Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points, and Derrick White added 16.

Jrue Holiday missed the contest due to a hamstring strain.

Tatum sustained the injury in the opening game of the series after taking a hard foul from Magic veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a drive to the basket. Though he sat out Wednesday's follow-up, the Celtics prevailed in his absence, 109-100, to go up 2-0 in the series.

Brown was previously listed as questionable for Game 3 Friday due to a knee impingement but was upgraded to available alongside Tatum. Al Horford started once again, this time replacing Holiday in the opening lineup instead of Tatum.

Tatum recorded 17 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists in the Game 1 win. Holiday has averaged 10 points, 5.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across two postseason contests.

Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero combined for 61 points in the Magic's victory. Only one other player scored in double digits, with Wendell Carter Jr. adding 10.

Orlando outscored Boston 46-34 in the second half.

The Magic can tie up the series with a victory Sunday.