Payton Pritchard made a big impact with 21 points, hitting five 3-pointers, as the Boston Celtics managed to fend off a late push from the Sacramento Kings, securing a close 101-100 victory on Friday night.
Kristaps Porziņģis also played a crucial role, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. This win marks the Celtics’ 12th consecutive victory at home, and they’ve won 13 out of their last 15 games.
Despite De’Aaron Fox’s impressive 40-point performance for the Kings, including a clutch 3-pointer to take the lead with just 27 seconds left, the Celtics held on. The Kings had multiple opportunities to snatch the win in the final seconds, but missed shots sealed their fate.
Boston’s coach Joe Mazzulla made strategic decisions, resting starters during the fourth quarter and relying on the reserves. This move contributed to team chemistry and helped secure the important win.
For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis also put up a strong performance with 16 points and 16 rebounds. However, their shooting struggles, especially from the 3-point line, hindered their chances of a comeback.
Despite the loss, the Kings remain focused on avoiding the play-in tournament, aiming to climb in the competitive Western Conference standings. They recognize the missed opportunity against the Celtics and are determined to bounce back in their upcoming games.
