The Celtics displayed remarkable depth on Monday night, clinching a convincing 121-99 victory over the Blazers at Moda Center despite missing key players. This win improved Boston’s record to 2-2 on their ongoing five-game road trip, with a final matchup against Utah on Tuesday night.
Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Celtics with 27 points, supported by strong performances from all five starters, even in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) and Jrue Holiday (knee). The visitors established a commanding lead in the second quarter and maintained their dominance throughout, showcasing excellent ball movement and balanced scoring. Jayson Tatum contributed 26 points and 8 assists, while Sam Hauser delivered a season-best performance off the bench with 22 points, including six made 3-pointers. DeAndre Ayton led the Blazers with 22 points in the losing effort.
Boston’s consecutive wins have propelled them to a 50-14 record for the season.
Here are four key takeaways from Monday’s victory:
1. Payton Pritchard’s impactful start: With Jrue Holiday sidelined, reserve guard Payton Pritchard earned his first start of the year and made the most of the opportunity. Despite a modest shooting performance, Pritchard nearly secured a triple-double and provided a significant boost to the starting lineup. His adept ball handling and transition play contributed to Boston’s decisive edge in fast break points, finishing the game with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
2. Jaylen Brown’s consistent performance: All-Star forward Jaylen Brown continued his impressive form since the All-Star Break, leading the Celtics with 27 points despite struggling from beyond the arc. Brown capitalized on opportunities in the paint and maintained his scoring streak, recording 25 or more points in seven of his last eight games.
3. Sam Hauser’s hot hand: Serving as Boston’s sixth man, Sam Hauser excelled off the bench with a stellar shooting display. Knocking down six of his 10 attempts from downtown, including a crucial late-game three-pointer, Hauser provided crucial scoring support with a season-high 22 points.
4. Celtics reach 50 wins first: With this victory, the Celtics have reached the 50-win milestone and balanced their road trip record at 2-2. Positioned as the first team in the NBA to achieve this mark, Boston holds an 8.5-game lead in the Eastern Conference standings with just 19 games remaining. If they can maintain this momentum, they stand a chance to secure the top seed in the postseason by April.
