Jayson Tatum had 23 points, and the Boston Celtics rebounded from back-to-back defeats vs. the Hawks after a huge 3rd period for a 104-92 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA.
Kristaps Porzingis finished with 19 points and 10 boards, and Jaylen Brown notched 17 as Boston, who at 58-16 have the league’s best record, avoided what would have been their 1st 3-match skid this season.
Handled business tonight? pic.twitter.com/Q7cht4vqh4
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 30, 2024
Derrick White added 15 points, and Jrue Holiday scored 13 points, had 7 assists, and grabbed 8 boards.
KP put up a double-double tonight and dominated both ends of the floor making him tonight's @Gatorade Player of the Game ? pic.twitter.com/8WN3sSTIPU
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 30, 2024
Zion Williamson notched 25 points for the Pelicans and CJ McCollum had 24 points.
The Celtics were leading by only 2 points after the 1st half, but they dominated the 3rd quarter, limiting the Pelicans to only 11 points. Boston went ahead 79-68 on Jayson’s 3-poInter with almost 5 minutes left in the quarter and led by double digits until the end of the game, going up by 22 in the 4th quarter.
Brandon Ingram missed his 5th straight match for New Orleans with a left knee problem.
Boston will play against the Hornets in Charlotte at the beginning of next week to wrap up a 6-match trip swing, while New Orleans welcomes the Suns on the same day in the 4th of 6 consecutive at their venue.