When the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic tip off in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Sunday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. ET, it won’t just be another postseason matchup. It’s what Duke Men’s Basketball proudly called a “brotherhood matchup” as former Blue Devils Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero find themselves on opposite sides of the hardwood at TD Garden, representing Duke’s elite NBA pipeline dramatically.
The Game 1 showdown showcases Duke’s continued dominance in producing NBA talent. Tatum has evolved into a five-time All-Star and NBA champion since being drafted third in 2017. Meanwhile, Banchero, the top pick in the 2022 draft and reigning Rookie of the Year, has quickly established himself as Orlando’s franchise cornerstone, setting up this compelling Blue Devil showdown.
Tatum’s Championship Pedigree Meets Banchero’s Rising Star
Tatum enters the series with championship credentials. He led Boston to the 2024 NBA title while averaging 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the Finals. His playoff experience includes multiple 50-point performances and the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals MVP award, establishing him as one of Duke’s most successful NBA alumni.
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👿 @wendellcarter34 pic.twitter.com/PrTb6fguwC— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 16, 2025
Facing his Duke successor, Banchero brings his impressive resume to the court. The 6’10” forward averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in his lone season at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four in Coach K’s final season before becoming Orlando’s cornerstone. His versatility and basketball IQ have already drawn comparisons to other NBA stars.
Duke’s NBA Legacy Continues to Flourish
The Tatum-Banchero playoff battle represents just the latest chapter in Duke Basketball’s storied NBA legacy. Eight NBA champions, including Tatum’s recent triumph, have come from the program. The Blue Devils continue to shape professional basketball at the highest level through their elite talent development pipeline.
Duke Basketball’s social media celebration of this matchup highlights the program’s pride in seeing its former stars excel professionally. The tweet featuring photos of the two players side by side in their NBA uniforms emphasizes the special bond that connects the Blue Devils long after they’ve left Durham, a brotherhood that transcends team rivalries.
The significance of this matchup extends beyond the current playoff series. Both players maintain strong connections to Duke, with Tatum recently expressing confidence in the current Duke squad led by freshman Cooper Flagg. Their continued involvement with the program helps strengthen Duke’s recruiting pitch to future NBA hopefuls.
KEEP READING: Duke Basketball Shows off an Impressive List of Alumni Making It to The NBA Playoffs
The Celtics-Magic playoff series, beginning Sunday night at Boston’s TD Garden, provides basketball fans with a showcase of Duke talent spanning different eras. For the Blue Devil faithful, it’s a win-win scenario regardless of the outcome. It further proves that few programs can match Duke’s consistent excellence on basketball’s biggest stage when developing NBA stars.
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