A trio of Game 3s saw the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks cut their respective series deficit to 2-1, while the Minnesota Timberwolves regained the upper hand anew over the Los Angeles Lakers.
All three home teams handled business as the Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks came out on top this NBA playoff Saturday. | Photos: Magic, Timberwolves, Bucks
Milwaukee and Orlando are finally on the board for the 2025 NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are back on the driver seat in their West opening-round series against the LA Lakers via a gutsy Game 3 victory.
MAGIC, BUCKS TRIM SERIES DEFICIT; TWOLVES TAKE 2-1 LEAD AGAINST LAKERS
- Orlando Magic (1-2) def. Boston Celtics (2-1), 95-93: Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero combined for 61 points and the Magic held on to nip the Celtics in Game 3.
It marked Orlando’s first win in the 2025 NBA playoffs and more importantly, helped them cut the series deficit to 2-1.
[ALSO READ: Magic spoil Jayson Tatum’s Celtics return in Game 3, cut series deficit to 2-1]
- Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) def. Indiana Pacers (2-1), 117-101: Gary Trent Jr. posted a playoff-high 37 points and tied a franchise postseason record with nine threes, powering the Buck’s third-quarter surge on way to a critical Game 3 victory.
[ALSO READ: Gary Trent Jr. speaks on 37-point Game 3 explosion for Bucks: 'Just come in and get a win']
- God-Mode Greek Freak: Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo also turned in 37 markers — his third straight game scoring 34 points or more — as Milwaukee now only trails 2-1 in their East first round showdown over the fourth-seed Pacers.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1) def. LA Lakers (1-2), 116-104: Jaden McDaniels went off with a playoff career-high 30 points, and the Timberwolves capitalized on an ailing Luka Doncic to beat the Lakers in Game 3, gaining a 2-1 cushion in their West first-round series.
[ALSO READ: Timberwolves overcome Lebron James’ 38, Lakers in Game 3 to seize 2-1 series lead]