Celtics clamp down in 2nd half to topple Hornets

Jayson Tatum racked up 33 factors and Malcolm Brogdon tallied a season-high 30 because the Boston Celtics received it collectively within the second half for a 122-106 victory towards the host Charlotte Hornets on Saturday evening.

Tatum shot 12-for-27 from the sector (4-for-14 from 3-point vary) and Brogdon got here off the bench to make 11 of 17 pictures from the ground (4-for-6 on 3-point tries).

The Hornets scored solely 40 second-half factors after main on the break.

Al Horford had 16 factors and Marcus Smart added 13 and 12 assists for the Celtics, who made 19 baskets from 3-point vary as Boston gained its sixth recreation in a row.

LaMelo Ball’s 31 factors led the Hornets, whereas Terry Rozier posted 21 factors and P.J. Washington had 14. Mason Plumlee added 9 factors and 16 rebounds.

The Celtics picked up steam with an enormous third quarter, going up 95-85 coming into the ultimate quarter. Tatum poured in 17 of Boston’s 33 factors within the quarter, leaving him simply two factors shy of the Hornets’ complete within the quarter.

Charlotte threatened to rally within the fourth, however twice throughout that stretch Brogdon hit pictures to stem any momentum that the Hornets may be producing.

By recreation’s finish, the Celtics had tracked down 14 offensive rebounds they usually dedicated solely seven turnovers. Boston was 9-for-10 on free-throw makes an attempt.

The Hornets shot 46.6 p.c from the sector, however they have been harm particularly by going 8-for-27 on 3-point makes an attempt. Ball was 1-for-8 from deep.

The groups will meet once more Monday afternoon, additionally in Charlotte.

Ball had 20 factors by halftime, with the Hornets holding a 66-62 lead.

The Celtics had 12 first-half 3-point baskets and simply 10 first-half 2-pointers.

Charlotte shot 59.1 p.c from the sector within the first half regardless of making solely 6 of 15 pictures from 3-point vary.

Celtics guard Jaylen Brown missed his second consecutive recreation with proper adductor tightness.

–Field Level Media/Reuters