Everything you need to know about the Celtics win over the Hornets, with BSJ insight and analysis.
IN A NUTSHELL
The teams played even in the first half with Boston starting cold from 3 but getting a big boost from Al Horford in the second quarter. Their 3-pointers started falling in the third and they turned a one-point halftime lead into a 16-point lead after three. The starters sat out the fourth but Payton Pritchard played and shut the door as Boston pulled away.
HEADLINES
- Last regular season run for the starters: Joe Mazzulla wouldn’t confirm it, but Jayson Tatum basically did. Sunday’s game will likely be mostly G Leaguers, so this was Boston’s final tuneup before the playoffs.
- 3-pointers are important: The Celtics were 4-14 in the first quarter and it ended tied because Charlotte was 4-7. They were 6-13 in the second quarter and they led by one partly because Charlotte was 5-12. They were 7-11 in the third quarter and they led by 16 partly because Charlotte was 4-10. They were 6-13 in the fourth and they won by 36 partly because Charlotte was 2-11.
- 60 wins: I didn’t think they’d get there but their nearly perfect March changed the game. They're now the first Celtics team to win 60 in consecutive seasons since ‘08 and ‘09.
- Some playoff clarity: With wins by Atlanta and Orlando, the Hawks and Magic will play next Tuesday, with the winner facing Boston in the first round. I’d rather see Atlanta, and not just because there's more to do there. Attacking Trae Young is an easy way to break down their defense, so I think that's the easiest path to a sweep.
TURNING POINT
The Celtics started the third quarter on a 17-6 run and never looked back. They won the third quarter 37-22 and the second half 76-41.
THINGS I LIKED
- The Jayson Tatum/Luke Kornet connection: Tatum found Kornet for a couple of lobs, continuing the connection that's made them one of the most formidable pick-and-roll duos in the league.
"Luke just has a great feel for the game,” Tatum said after the game. “He's such a selfless player. He's always looking to get me open, off-ball, on-ball. I trust him so much. When they're doubling me or the big's up, throw him the ball to Luke in the seams or obviously him being a rim threat for lobs. So it's been one of the more successful things for our team this year is just me and Luke on the floor together and in actions together."
Tatum and his 16/8/8 was pretty good on his own.
- Derrick White: You know why. He finished with 19 points, seven assists, and FOUR blocked shots.
- Al Horford: He put up a 13/11 double-double, with most of the damage coming in an 11-point, 4-rebound second quarter.
- Payton Pritchard: He almost literally could not miss. He put up 22 points in 9-11 shooting, 4-5 from deep. He added three rebounds, three assists, and a steal for good measure. He needed a nice bounceback after a tough game in Orlando.
- Sam Hauser: He almost matched Pritchard with 20 points on 7-12 shooting. He was 6-9 from 3
- Seeing familiar faces: It was nice to see Charles Lee, the few former Celtics assistants, Grant Williams, and Kemba Walker at the game. More on them later.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
Eh, do we really need do this tonight?
HIGHLIGHTS
Yeah, you know.
ONE TAKE KARALIS WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
- They were having a lot of fun
The big buzz early in the game was when people started to realize Tatum and White had switched accessories. White went with the armband and single-leg tights and Tatum went tights with the knee pad and short socks.
“Since we probably won't play next game, he said at shoot around this morning, he’s like we should do a headband game,” Tatum explained. “Somebody, one of the trainers may have mentioned if D White, like, dressed like me during the game. So it was kind of like their idea, and I just agreed to it and ran with it.”
White went full Tatum, not only carrying the Celtics early in the game, but blowing the kiss after his 3-pointers. Tatum did not reciprocate.
“He was gonna maybe do that, but it must have slipped his mind,” White joked. “It happens.”
I think if White REALLY wanted to commit to the bit, he would have gotten a tech by waving off the refs after a call.
I’m all for stuff like this. It’s a little goofy, but if it keeps guys engaged, then it’s just good fun.
Next up: The Celtics wrap up the regular season Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.