The Boston Celtics secured their 12th consecutive home victory in a thrilling matchup on Friday night. Despite a slow start that saw them trailing early, the Celtics rallied and established a 16-point lead fueled by a 30-9 run extending into the second quarter. However, the Sacramento Kings staged a comeback, narrowing the deficit to just four points by halftime.
Boston managed to extend their lead to 18 points but saw it slip away in the final moments of the fourth quarter, as the Kings orchestrated a remarkable 20-1 run to take the lead for the first time since the opening period. Yet, Xavier Tillman Jr., an unexpected hero for the Celtics, sank the game-winning shot with just 7.4 seconds remaining, securing a dramatic 101-100 victory for Boston.
In the absence of key players Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics in scoring with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox delivered a standout performance for the Kings, notching a game-high 40 points, including 20 in the second quarter.
Looking ahead, the Celtics, with a record of 61-16, aim to prolong their winning streak at TD Garden against the Portland Trail Blazers in their upcoming game on Sunday evening. Here are three key takeaways from the intense action witnessed on Friday:
The Celtics’ bench once again played a pivotal role, showcasing their depth and resilience. Trade deadline acquisition Xavier Tillman Jr. made significant contributions, including a crucial game-winning shot, while Luke Kornet and Svi Mykhailiuk provided valuable support off the bench.
Despite facing adversity with injuries to key players, Boston’s bench stepped up admirably, totaling 43 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists. Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s decision to rely on the bench players in crucial moments paid off despite a late scare from the Kings.
Kristaps Porzingis continued his impressive form, emerging as Boston’s star player in the absence of Brown and White. With a 20-point, 11-rebound performance against the Kings, Porzingis demonstrated his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.
However, it was a challenging outing for Celtics’ sharpshooter Sam Hauser, who struggled to find his rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc. Despite his shooting woes, Hauser contributed to other aspects of the game, highlighting his resilience and versatility as a player.
As the Celtics approach the playoffs, they have five remaining games to fine-tune their strategies and rotations. With key players stepping up in crucial moments and the bench proving its depth, Boston looks poised for a strong postseason campaign.
