Recap: Celtics Grind Out 120-11 Win vs Hornets as Tatum, Brown Score 73
AP Photo | Charles Krupa
The Celtics welcomed the Charlotte Hornets to TD Garden tonight as the two teams faced off for the second time in four days. They were able to secure a 1210-111 win behind great scoring nights from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Aaron Nesmith also had a breakout game, providing some much-needed energy.
Brown carried the C’s to a huge lead in the first quarter. He exploded for 20 in the first and 38 in the game. Brown and Tatum (35) were the top scorers for the game, combining for 73 points. Tristan Thompson also pitched in with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. With Marcus Smart out due to a suspension and Kemba Walker injured, the C’s needed big-time contributions from everybody.
Boston got solid production from their rookies as well. Payton Pritchard continued his hot streak, putting up eight points. As for Nesmith, he was a jack-of-all-trades for the Celtics. His energetic defense and constant hustle gave the team a nice spark. He ended the night with 15 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.
Charlotte had five guys in double figures on the night, led by Devonte’ Graham with 25 points. Their centers also chipped in big-time scoring nights as PJ Washington had 19 and Cody Zeller had 16 off the bench.
The Celtics found success driving to the paint early on. They struggled shooting the ball last night vs the Thunder but came out with a completely different mindset in this one. They outscored Charlotte 22-6 in the paint in the first, and 54-44 on the game.
The Hornets slowly climbed back into the game from the second quarter on. A huge 17-point quarter from Graham really pulled them within striking distance. At one point it was down to only a four-point game.
A few clutch shots from Tatum and Brown and a couple of hustle plays from Nesmith closed this one out in the fourth. The Celtics were able to come away with the 120-111 win and halted their three-game skid. Their next game will be against the Spurs this Friday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. (EST) on NBC Sports Boston.
