Jayson Tatum returns from wrist injury with 36 points but Celtics lose to Magic in Game 3

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Even with Jayson Tatum in the starting lineup, the Boston Celtics still couldn't find a way to win in Orlando.

Tatum scored 36 points Friday night, but the Magic won 95-93 to cut the Celtics' lead to 2-1 in the first-round playoff series.

Tatum had missed Wednesday night's Game 2 in Boston with a bone bruise in his right wrist, marking his first playoff game missed after he had played in 114 straight.

Tatum was hurt in the series opener after a hard fall. The Celtics had originally listed the All-Star forward as doubtful to play Friday, then upgraded him to questionable and said he was available shortly before the game.

“Just dealing with the pain tolerance, and the treatment has been progressing every day, and I just felt like I needed to go out there and play,” Tatum said.

He played 39 minutes, finishing with nine rebounds and seven turnovers.

The NBA champion and No. 2-seeded Celtics brought a 2-0 lead into the game at Orlando, where they have lost all three of their games this season and postseason. Tatum did not play in either of the regular-season losses.

The problem in Friday's game was the third quarter, when the Celtics scored on 11 points, shooting 3 for 17 with six turnovers.

“We just got stagnant. We’ve just got to play with more pace, more energy,” Tatum said.

“I just think today in that third quarter, we weren't getting stops. It's kind of tough to play against a set defense every single time, or the majority of the quarter. Give them credit. They play hard, they have some defenders, but I think we had to get some stops first and get get in transition and get our pace up. I think we will next game.”

The Celtics played without starting guard Jrue Holiday because of strained right hamstring. Al Horford started in a big lineup along with Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White.

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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)

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, right, lines up a shot against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half in game 3 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series,, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) tries to get past Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) 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)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) 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)

Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum, left, and Derrick White watch from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum, left, drives past Orlando Magic's Anthony Black during the first half in game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Clayton Tune will start at quarterback for Green Bay in its regular-season finale Sunday at Minnesota with the Packers intending to rest Jordan Love as he prepares for the playoffs.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday that Love has cleared concussion protocol, but isn’t expected to play against the Vikings (8-8). Green Bay (9-6-1) already is locked into the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed, so Sunday’s game has no postseason implications.

Love hasn’t played since taking a helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter of a 22-16 overtime loss at Chicago on Dec. 20.

Malik Willis played the rest of the Bears game and started the Packers’ 41-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, but he’s dealing with injuries to his shoulder and hamstring. Love practiced fully and Willis was limited in Wednesday’s practice.

The Packers also signed Desmond Ridder to their practice squad on Wednesday, giving them one more option. LaFleur said there’s a possibility Ridder could be active for Sunday’s game.

“Clayton Tune’s going to start, and then as far as the backup, we’re kind of working through that process right now,” LaFleur said. “Malik’s dealing with a hamstring. Obviously just got Desmond Ridder in here. We’re kind of taking it a day at a time.”

Tune signed with Green Bay’s practice squad before the season. The Packers signed Tune from their practice squad to their active roster Wednesday.

“I think he’s a guy that’s shown some pretty good promise in terms of what we’ve seen,” LaFleur said. “What an opportunity for him.”

Tune, 26, entered the Ravens game in the fourth quarter and went 1 of 4 for 8 yards with an interception. He appeared in 13 games and made one start with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him out of Houston in the fifth round of the 2023 draft.

He has gone 15 of 27 for 78 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns. In his lone previous start, he was sacked seven times as the Cardinals gained just 58 total yards in 27-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 5, 2023.

LaFleur also said newly acquired cornerback Trevon Diggs “potentially” could play against the Vikings. The Packers claimed Diggs off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, left, talks with quarterback Clayton Tune (6) before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Clayton Tune (6) rushes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)