Celtics Shine Without Tatum, Defeat Pistons 130-120

Jaylen Brown Post Game Interview

The Boston Celtics demonstrated their depth and resilience, securing a 130-120 win over the Detroit Pistons despite the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum. A balanced team effort and standout performances across the roster proved decisive in this high-scoring affair.

Jaylen Brown led the charge with 28 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, providing the leadership Boston needed in Tatum’s absence. Brown's relentless drives and ability to create opportunities for his teammates were key to the Celtics' offensive flow.

Kristaps Porziņģis played a pivotal role, contributing 26 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 87.5% from the free-throw line. His inside-out scoring and presence in the paint anchored the Celtics on both ends of the floor.

Off the bench, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard made critical contributions. Hauser recorded 20 points, shooting 50% from beyond the arc, while Pritchard added 19 points and 5 rebounds, energizing the team with his sharp shooting and hustle.

Derrick White overcame a tough shooting night (26.7% from the field) to finish with 14 points and a team-high 11 assists. Al Horford also shone with 14 points, hitting an efficient 4-of-6 from deep, while adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists to his stat line.

Defensively, the Celtics made crucial stops down the stretch, with Luke Kornet and Porziņģis combining for 17 rebounds. Kornet's efforts on the glass and timely blocks helped neutralize Detroit’s second-chance opportunities.

The Pistons pushed Boston with strong individual performances but couldn't match the Celtics’ depth and cohesion. Boston’s ability to share the scoring load and execute as a unit underlined why they remain one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

This 130-120 victory reinforces the Celtics’ mantra of "team over individual." Even without their leading scorer, they showcased a well-rounded game plan that highlights their championship potential.