Jayson Tatum shines as Celtics maintain late rally from Trail Blazers (AP Photo)
Jayson Tatum scored 34 factors as Boston Celtics saved their nerve to beat a late comeback from Portland Trail Blazers
Jayson Tatum had 34 factors and 12 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics withstood a late Portland rally for a 126-112 victory over the struggling Trail Blazers on Friday night time.
Jaylen Brown added 27 factors for the Celtics, who’ve gained 4 of their final 5 after a three-game shedding streak. Boston sits behind NBA-leading Milwaukee within the Eastern Conference.
Damian Lillard completed with 41 factors — together with 25 within the fourth quarter — for the Blazers, who’ve misplaced 5 straight. At thirteenth within the West, Portland hasn’t but been eradicated from the playoffs however time was working out with simply 12 video games remaining.
Boston led by as many as 21 factors within the third quarter. Lillard’s 3-pointer pulled Portland inside 109-96 and he hit one other 3 to shut the hole to 111-103.
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The groups exchanged free throws earlier than Brown dunked and Al Horford hit a 3-pointer to place Boston up 118-105 with 1:33 left and all however seal the win.
Tatum (hip) and Marcus Smart (non-COVID sickness) have been questionable earlier than the sport however each began for the Celtics. Malcolm Brogdon sat out with proper Achilles tendon soreness.
Grant Williams’ 3-pointer put the Celtics up 42-30 within the second quarter. Boston led by as many as 16 within the half to go forward 63-48 on the break. Tatum led all scorers with 19 factors.
The Celtics prolonged the result in as many as 19 factors within the third quarter.
TIP-INS
Celtics: With a steal within the opening quarter, Smart turned the fourth Boston participant to achieve 900 profession steals. … It was fourth of a six-game highway journey for the Celtics. … The Celtics gained the primary of the 2 conferences with the Blazers 115-93 on March 8.
Trail Blazers: Starting ahead Jerami Grant missed his second sport with a left quad contusion. … The Blazers have been additionally with out Nassir Little due to sickness. … Portland introduced earlier within the day that ahead Justise Winslow underwent a bone marrow remedy on his left ankle. He has not performed since spraining his ankle in December.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday night time.
Trail Blazers: Host the Clippers on Sunday night time.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
