Fans of the NBA can be unforgiving when it comes to holding analysts accountable for their takes, and Kendrick Perkins is once again finding out he’s no exception.
The Boston Celtics maintained home-court advantage in Game 2 of their first-round series, securing a 109-100 victory against the Orlando Magic on April 23, despite missing All-Star forward Jayson Tatum.
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The defending champions had looked to carry that momentum heading into Game 3 on the Magic’s home court at the Kia Center, with Tatum expected to return to action.
Perkins, a Celtics homer after winning a championship with the team, made a bold declaration on Friday on the “NBA Countdown” show before Game 3 that the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference would make their presence felt against a less-talented Magic squad that is missing guard Jalen Suggs.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown defends Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner during Game 3 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.Mike Watters
“They’re gonna come in as the defending champs and they’re gonna make the Magic fold like clean sheets,” Perkins said on the tip-off show on April 25.
As expected, fans immediately responded on X with one account replying, “Thinking the #Magic will fold tells me you have never watched this team. Orlando may not win. They have fatal flaws. But they don’t quit.”
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And they were right.
Instead of a dominating performance from the Celtics as the ESPN analyst predicted, the Magic rebounded with a gutsy, hard-fought win in front of their home fans, securing a 95-93 victory in Game 3.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 32 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, along with some late-game shot-making. The Magic’s other star, Paolo Banchero, also chipped in with a strong 29-point performance.
Perkins, who is often wrong with his takes, had plenty of people on social media reminding him of his latest misstep.
“Lmao everything he said that was going to happen…didn’t,” one person tweeted.
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“That aged well Perk,” another said.
Perhaps the most profound statement reflecting the true feelings of Magic fans read, “Again the sports media at large are unable to talk about the Magic correctly.”
With momentum shifting back to the young Magic squad, they look to tie up the series at 2-2 at home in Game 4 this Sunday evening, relying on their two stars and No. 1 scoring defense.
Related: Magic Send Three-Word Message After Upset Win vs. Celtics