Celtics Sink Hornets Again with Tatum and Pritchard Leading the Charge
Celtics finish the job against Hornets at home. Photo Charlotte Hornets Instagram
The Boston Celtics took down the Charlotte Hornets 113-103 on Saturday, securing a dominant back-to-back win at Spectrum Center.
Tatum’s Leadership Shines, Pritchard’s Sharpshooting Adds Spark
Jayson Tatum put up 29 points, leading the Celtics, while Payton Pritchard exploded for 22 points and six 3-pointers. Despite struggling from deep, Tatum nailed 14 of 17 free throws, proving his scoring versatility. Derrick White added 18 points and eight rebounds, continuing his solid play as Boston’s depth shined through once again.
LaMelo Ball Lights It Up, But Foul Trouble Derails Hornets
LaMelo Ball continued his hot start to the season, finishing with 36 points on 15-of-26 shooting for Charlotte. Unfortunately for the Hornets, Ball fouled out for the second consecutive game, leaving the team short-handed in crucial moments. Brandon Miller contributed 16 points in his return from a strained glute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Boston’s firepower.
Celtics’ Depth on Full Display
Boston didn’t miss a beat despite missing Jaylen Brown, who sat out with a hip flexor strain. The Celtics went on a 19-point second-quarter run, fueled by White’s scoring and Jrue Holiday’s clutch plays. Holiday hit a key 3-pointer late in the third to stop Charlotte’s rally, as Boston quickly regained control of the game.
Rebounding Dominance and Defensive Effort
The Celtics out-rebounded the Hornets 44-34, a decisive factor in their victory. With Charlotte missing their top two centers, Mark Williams and Nick Richards, Boston capitalized on the glass.
Key Stat:
Tatum’s 14 made free throws were a major difference, with Charlotte struggling to generate consistent offense throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics head south to face Atlanta on Monday, while the Hornets look to rebound against Minnesota. Both teams showed strengths but also areas to improve, setting the stage for another exciting week.
