Despite missing the services of superstar Jaylen Brown for the second straight game, the Boston Celtics remained in control thanks to the surging Jayson Tatum as they dealt the Charlotte Hornets a 114-99 loss on Monday.
Tatum, who has only logged 11 games this season so far, followed up his then-season high of 26 points last outing with a new record of 32 points, along with 5 rebounds and 8 assists en route to the victory.
With less than six minutes left, Tatum went to his patented pull-up three from the top of the key to start a personal 5-0 run and seal the victory for the green-and-white.
Celtics Clinch Yet Another Playoff Appearance
Despite what many critics thought would be a down year due to injuries and key offseason departures, the Celtics will once again see action in the NBA playoffs for the 12th season in a row.
The victory boosted the Cs to three straight wins and a 50-24 slate as the season nears its end, which Brown celebrated with a short yet ecstatic post on social media.
“50 wins in a gap year,” Brown said on X.
Meanwhile, Payton Pritchard also continued his hot shooting stretch with 28 points, while Neemias Queta added 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Hornets Remain in Play-In Dogfight with Two Other Teams
After notching five wins in a row, Charlotte has now lost two straight outings, falling to the last Play-In spot in the East with a 39-36 record. However, they remain just half a game behind the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic.
Franchise star LaMelo Ball led his team’s offense in the loss with 19 points, while Miles Bridges chipped in 14. The Hornets, who are also known to be an elite three-point shooting team, shot an abysmal 12-43 from deep.
The Celtics will look to continue their winning streak against the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow, while the Hornets will try to bounce back against the tanking Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
