Jason Tatum scored 34, Jaylen Brown added 29, however had Malcolm Brogdon (23 factors on 8/12 capturing, 7 assists, and a crew excessive +10) and Robert Williams (10 factors, 11 rebounds, 2 rebounds) off the bench. steals, 4 blocks) that sparked Celtics And giving them a slender 121-116 victory to shut out their wild journey.
The Celtics led 112-101 with six minutes left, however the Spurs equalized within the final minute. Some defensive performs from Williams and Derrick White (11 assists and three blocks) sealed the sport. The Spurs completed with eight gamers scoring in double figures.
On the floor, this matchup featured a crew with the perfect file within the NBA and a superbly wholesome roster in opposition to one of many worst groups within the league enjoying with out their prime three gamers (Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jacob Boltel). However when you have a look at the final 15 matches, these groups are shockingly related. The Spurs have a 7-8 file and an offensive score of 115.6, whereas the Celtics are 8-7 with a 112.7 O-RTG. As we discovered from Tuesday’s debacle in Oklahoma Metropolis, disrespecting a much less gifted opponent is a straightforward formulation for disappointing loss.
The Celtics performed robust edge protection, forcing San Antonio to overlook seven occasions to open the sport. Romeo Langford, making his twelfth begin of the season, bought them on the board with a slide cross. In Derrick White’s first sport in opposition to his former crew, he responded with 1-and-1, and the Celtics constructed an early double-digit lead. Tottenham honored him with this video tribute:
White had a powerful first quarter, tallying 7 factors, 3 assists and a pair of blocks. Malky Branham and Stanley Johnson led the bench scoring combo with 16 factors within the first quarter, placing the Spurs again within the sport after trying forward at first. The Celtics led 33-30 after twelve minutes.
Tatum scored 10 factors to open the second quarter, prompting Gregg Popovich to name timeouts twice in 4 minutes. Bob was identified for his fast laps early within the quarter, however tonight he appeared notably dissatisfied together with his crew’s efforts. Zach Collins appeared like he bought the message, scoring 10 factors within the second quarter on 4/4 capturing.
A minute earlier than halftime, Robert Williams made this play that quickly turned NBC Boston’s Brian Scalabrine right into a fan:
The Celtics led 68-57 on the half. It ought to have been extra, however they missed just a few free throws and made two turnovers within the final minute. Nonetheless, the Celtics performed a powerful half of basketball, capturing 55 % from the court docket and 53 % from three whereas gathering 17 assists. Homosexual mixed for 35 and Malcolm Brogdon scored 11 runs on 4/5 capturing. For the Spurs, Josh Richardson scored 10 targets off the bench, and though they struggled with depth, they shot 53 % from two-point vary.
The Celtics might have made an announcement with a strong begin within the third quarter, however as an alternative they opened up the 1/6 capturing with two turns. A Langford tear capped a 13-3 Spurs lead, and the Celtics’ 11-point lead fell to 1. San Antonio made it aggressive, however they have been unable to take the lead.
Timelord checked in at 3:43 and immediately introduced life into the sport. First, he had a distinguished transitional block on Branham, then discovered Tatum on a backdoor, and completed the quarter with a base hit from a Brogdon help. The Celtics led 93-89 within the fourth quarter. Trey Jones led the Spurs with 11 factors within the third quarter and Marcus Good returned to the locker room with a bruised knee.
Brodgen and Doug McDermott traded buckets to open the ultimate interval, then rocked Sam Houser on a three-pointer to provide the Celtics a 103-95 lead. After a timeout, Joe Mazzola gave Brogdon the attacking keys on each possession, and proceeded to cut and cube no matter cowl the Spurs have been throwing at him. He discovered the Browns on a chunk from the rim after which arrange Tatum for 3, rising Boston’s result in 11.
Boston held their double-digit lead till 5 minutes later when the Spurs stormed again. Jeremy Suchan scored two consecutive touchdowns to chop the rating to 114-109, then Langford lower a 17 tail with 1:42 remaining to chop the result in three. He returned the following possession and transformed the ball on a layup, then Richardson hit a winger third to tie the sport at 116 with 37 seconds to play.
Tatum responded with a easy one-leg base leap, and on the following defensive possession, Timelord performed a lock protection on Langford and Al Horford secured the rebound. It was a raffle getting the ball in, and Tatum missed a free throw that will have put the sport out of attain, however Boston secured the offensive rebound and Brogdon hit two free throws for a 121-116 win.
The Celtics enhance to 28-12 and head dwelling Monday to play the Bulls.