For a lot of December and January, the Celtics reminded everybody that whereas they’ve a great opportunity to repeat, they’re human and vulnerable to slip-ups like each different group.
Nevertheless, to this point in February, they’ve returned to the juggernaut they had been to begin the yr. The Celtics, who beat the Spurs 116-103 at TD Backyard, have received seven of eight to construct momentum heading into the All-Star break.
Boston has struggled at dwelling in latest weeks, however the Celtics gave followers lots to cheer about on Wednesday evening. With Jaylen Brown and Jrue Vacation out, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White carried the Celtics to a comparatively stress-free win. San Antonio stayed inside hanging distance, however Boston by no means let it get extra dicey than it needed to be.
Tatum led the way in which with 32 factors, 14 rebounds and seven assists, persevering with to showcase his versatility and killer intuition. Tatum has scored 30-plus factors in three straight video games for the primary time since late December.
Porzingis added 29 factors and 6 boards, and White offered 19 factors, 9 assists and seven rebounds. As a group, the Celtics shot 46.2 p.c whereas out-rebounding the Spurs, 56-38.
The Celtics jumped out to a 37-19 lead by way of 1, capturing a blistering 53.6 p.c from the ground whereas holding the Spurs to 1 of 11 from 3-point vary.
Tatum sizzled to begin, pouring in 14 first-quarter factors and discovering Al Horford for a 3 as time expired to cap a dominant stretch.
Porzingis made a degree to go at Victor Wembanyama (17 factors) and scored over him with a sequence of artful submit strikes. The Celtics restricted Wembanyama to 4 factors within the quarter, with Horford and Luke Kornet additionally faring admirably. White even snuck up behind Wembanyama to poke the ball free and arrange a transition Tatum 3.
The second quarter was comparatively even, however the Celtics managed to protect a 66-47 benefit heading into halftime. White continued to showcase his versatility, Sam Hauser sprinkled in some buckets and Tatum added a couple of extra of his personal. Tatum had extra 3’s (4) than the Spurs (three) on the half.
Newly acquired Torrey Craig made his Celtics debut within the second quarter and slot in seamlessly from the beginning. Craig hit two 3-pointers, delivered a pinpoint further cross to Tatum for 3 and was sharp defensively. Craig, identified for his mix of capturing and protection, made a case to earn common enjoying time shifting ahead.
As a group, the Celtics shot 51 p.c from the ground and 38.2 p.c from 3 within the half, out-rebounding the Spurs, 29-22, and racking up 17 assists. Everybody was a menace, as they moved the ball with objective and performed with tempo.
De’Aaron Fox (23 factors) helped the Spurs trim the Celtics’ result in 79-69 halfway by way of the third, then Tatum and Porzingis discovered a rhythm as soon as once more to assist Boston keep in entrance.
On one specific play, Tatum delivered the ball on the cash to Porzingis, who let two defenders fly by earlier than slamming it dwelling with conviction. Payton Pritchard then banked in a nook 3 over Wembanyama to offer the Celtics a 93-81 edge by way of three.
The Spurs trimmed it to eight early within the fourth earlier than Porzingis and Pritchard buried back-to-back 3’s in a single fluid swoop. Porzingis then delivered a slick over-the-shoulder cross to Horford, who whipped it over to Hauser for 3.
White took a cost on Wembanyama and Porzingis transformed on the free-throw line to assist put the sport away.
The Celtics have eight days off earlier than going through the 76ers subsequent Thursday.
