The Boston Celtics aren’t taking their achievement of reaching 50 wins this season lightly. Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points, while Jayson Tatum added 26 as the Celtics secured a convincing 121-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, despite missing two key starters.
Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis were both sidelined due to injuries, yet the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics managed to notch their third consecutive 50-win season.
“At this stage of the season, reaching 50 wins signifies that we’re moving in the right direction,” remarked Tatum. “The exciting part is, we still have room for improvement.”
With 18 games left in the regular season, the Celtics have already clinched a playoff berth.
“All the guys joke around because, at this time of the year, I express the same sentiment — how much of a privilege it is to be part of this team,” shared Brown.
Deandre Ayton put up 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Blazers, who currently sit second-to-last in the Western Conference. It marked Ayton’s fifth consecutive double-double, matching the second-longest streak of his career.
Boston, leading the league with 21 road victories this season, widened their lead to 20 points in the final quarter and committed just three turnovers throughout the game. This marked their second-lowest turnover count in a game this season; they only had two in a January matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
A 3-pointer from Sam Hauser with 8:40 left in the game extended Boston’s lead to 101-83, while his step-back 3-pointer made it 115-95, prompting Portland fans to exit the arena early. Hauser concluded with a season-high six 3-pointers and 22 points.
“We don’t focus on a team’s record,” stated Hauser. “In the NBA, every team has skilled players. You can lose on any given night, so we approach each game one day at a time, finding areas to improve every day.”
Holiday, who contributed 15 points in a victory against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, was sidelined with a sore left knee, while Porzingis missed his second consecutive game due to a tight right hamstring.
Even in their absence, the Celtics led by as many as 17 points in the first half. Ayton’s floater cut Portland’s deficit to 56-47, and Anfernee Simons’ 3-pointer brought them within six points.
Tatum’s dunk pushed Boston’s lead to 62-50, as they embarked on a 10-2 run to end the half leading 66-52. Brown led all scorers with 17 points.
“I feel fortunate to be part of a winning team, playing the game the right way, and having another chance to achieve something special. That’s a blessing,” expressed Brown.
Despite being listed as questionable due to a right ankle issue, Tatum started for Boston. He had 29 points against Phoenix. Both Brown and Derrick White also played after being questionable for the first game of a back-to-back.
Jerami Grant, who sat out Portland’s win against the Toronto Raptors due to a sore hamstring, returned to the starting lineup. Rookie Scoot Henderson’s minutes restriction, stemming from an adductor injury, was lifted, and he also started.
