The Boston Celtics celebrated reaching the 50-win milestone for the third consecutive season after a commanding 121-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers during Monday’s NBA action.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum spearheaded the win with 27 and 26 points, respectively, despite Boston missing key players Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis due to injuries.
“At this point of the season, to have 50 wins, it means we’re doing something right,” Tatum said. “The scary part is, we can get better.”
The Celtics, who have clinched a playoff berth with 18 games left, became the first team this season to hit the 50-win mark, underscoring their dominance in the Eastern Conference.
“All the guys laugh because, around this time of year, I say the same thing – how much of an honor it is to be on this team,” Brown said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Despite their standing at the bottom of the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers saw Deandre Ayton put up a strong fight with 22 points and 15 rebounds, marking his fifth consecutive double-double.
Boston’s road prowess was evident as they extended their lead to 20 points in the fourth quarter and minimized their turnovers, reflecting a disciplined and focused team effort.
Sam Hauser‘s impressive shooting, including a season-high six 3-pointers for 22 points, helped seal the victory and dishearten Portland fans.
“We don’t really look at a team’s record,” Hauser said. “It’s the NBA, everybody has talented players. You can lose any given night, so we just try to take it one day at a time, once game at a time, and find things that we can get better at each and every day.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The absence of Holiday and Porzingis didn’t deter the Celtics, who led by as many as 17 points in the first half and effectively managed their lead throughout the game.
“I’m grateful to be on a team that’s winning, that’s been playing the right way, has another opportunity to do something special. That’s a blessing,” Brown said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Both teams are looking ahead to their next matchups, with the Celtics visiting the Utah Jazz and the Trail Blazers hosting the Atlanta Hawks, as they continue their campaigns in this NBA season.
