The Boston Celtics showcased their resilience at TD Garden, returning from recent home defeats with a strong performance against the New Orleans Pelicans. Jayson Tatum led the charge, scoring 12 of his 26 points in the final quarter, propelling Boston to a 118-112 victory during Monday’s NBA action.
This win halted a two-game losing streak at home for the Celtics, who had an impressive start to the season with a 20-0 record at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown contributed significantly with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday and Derrick White added 20 and 17 points, respectively.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the need for the team to avoid complacency, stressing the importance of earning every win.
“We can’t lose sight of the fact that we have to earn a win every night,” Mazzulla said.
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Brown echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining high performance throughout the season.
“It’s a full season. It’s a full body of work you have to account for night in and night out,” Brown said. “We don’t really make no excuses. But it’s tough. You’ve got to come out and be the best version of yourself every single night.”
The Pelicans initially dominated, leading by 17 in the first half. However, Boston turned the tide in the second half, outscoring New Orleans 68-52. Despite this, the Pelicans saw strong performances from Brandon Ingram, who scored 28 points, and Zion Williamson, who added 26 points.
New Orleans had an advantage in the paint but faltered in the fourth quarter with crucial turnovers. Pelicans coach Willie Green highlighted the need for better execution in the game’s final minutes.
“We know our blind spots. We know that the last five minutes of a game we have to execute better and get quality looks,” Green said. “We had a few turnovers down the stretch. That’s where we have to grow.”
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The Celtics intensified their defense in the fourth quarter, with pivotal plays from Derrick White and Jayson Tatum tying the game and pushing Boston ahead. Tatum’s steals and dunks were particularly impactful in securing the lead.
In his return from injury, Williamson felt optimistic about his physical condition and the team’s potential as the season progressed.
“I’m just stacking my days,” he said. “It’s a slow grind. The team has been a big help with that. When the end of the season gets here, I feel like I’m going to be in an amazing spot for us to really do some real damage in the playoffs.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Boston’s sluggish start mirrored their previous game against the Clippers, but they managed to reduce the Pelicans’ lead by halftime. The Celtics continued their comeback in the third quarter, eventually taking the lead with a 3-pointer from Sam Hauser. New Orleans regained the lead briefly, but Boston’s late surge ensured their victory.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face the Houston Rockets, while the Celtics are set to host the Indiana Pacers in their upcoming games.
