CELTICS SNAP 2-GAME HOME SKID WITH WIN OVER PELICANS

Boston, who started the season 20-0 at TD Garden, had lost its last two home games before this victory.

Jaylen Brown chipped in with 11 rebounds and 22 points. Derrick White ended with 17 points, and Jrue Holiday finished with 20.

Joe Mazzulla, the coach of the Boston Celtics, expressed his optimism that the team’s near escape from a third straight home defeat will help dispel the East’s best team’s feeling of “entitlement” to victory.

Mazzulla stated, “We have to remember that we have to work for a win every night.”

According to Brown, the group is growing from its mistakes.

There is a whole season. You have to take into consideration a comprehensive body of work every night of the week, according to Brown. “We truly don’t have any justifications. However, it’s difficult. Every night, you must present yourself as the best possible version of yourself”.

The Pelicans dropped their third consecutive game after trailing by 17 points in the first half and being outscored 68-52 in the second and third quarters.

Leading New Orleans with 28 points, seven rebounds, and six assists was Brandon Ingram. Ultimately, Zion Williamson scored 26 points.

In the paint, the Pelicans dominated the Celtics 58-44, but six of their 12 turnovers occurred in the fourth quarter.

We’re aware of our blind spots. Coach Willie Green of the Pelicans stated, “We know that the last five minutes of a game we have to execute better and get quality looks.” We committed a couple mistakes in the closing minutes. It is where we need to develop.

Williamson’s goal and his ability to cut through Boston’s inside defense enabled New Orleans stay ahead for the majority of the evening in his second game back after missing the previous one due to a bruised bone in his left foot.

With just over six minutes remaining in the game, the Celtics matched the score at 94 thanks to a 13-3 run that culminated in a floating jumper and a 3-pointer by White after the team tightened up defensively in the final quarter of the game.

After two lead changes, White added three more to put Boston ahead 99-98. Tatum then stole the ball and finished it off with a two-handed slam.

White’s layup and Tatum’s free throw increased the margin to 104-99.

Boston increased their lead to 109-103 after Tatum produced yet another theft. With 1:42 left, he drove the ball up the floor, located a path, and slid in for another dunk.

Williamson stated that at this stage of the season, physically, he feels fine.

“I’m merely piling up my days,” he declared. It goes slowly at first. With that, the crew has been really helpful. As the season draws to a close, I believe I’ll be in a fantastic position to help us cause serious damage in the postseason.

Boston’s 19-point Saturday loss to the Clippers was doomed by a sluggish start. The Celtics started the game slowly against the Pelicans and were behind by 14 points in the first quarter.

Before a late Boston surge trimmed it to 60-50 at halftime, New Orleans had stretched its lead to 17 points in the second quarter.

In less than three minutes throughout the third quarter, the Celtics reduced the deficit to two points. In response, Williamson scored nine more points for the Pelicans in the next two and a half minutes, helping to maintain New Orleans’ lead.

Sam Hauser’s 26-foot jumper to give the Celtics their initial lead since the beginning of the first quarter ignited Boston’s 9-2 rally.

However, the Pelicans calmed down and led 87-81 going into the last quarter.

“It won’t be flawless all the time. Energy, extended season, whatever it may be. However, we only need to come up with fresh strategies to win every game, which we accomplished today.”

– Derrick White on the lessons he took away from this match

Derrick White: “We need to stick together when things are bad. And tonight, we carried that out”.

“Those guys put their energy into defense and not just offense,” adds Joe Mazzulla, citing Jaylen and Jayson’s combined defensive effort as a major factor in tonight’s victory.

Celtics are the best team in NBA right now with 36-11 record. They are top seed in the eastern conference.https://x.com/NBA/status/1752212373287395362?s=20