The Boston Celtics emphatically ended a three game losing streak Saturday night, getting a career high 41 points from Jayson Tatum to blow out the New Orleans Pelicans 140-105 at TD Garden in Boston.
Boston (26-11) used a 41 point first quarter and led by 17 after the opening 12 minutes. New Orleans (14-26) took two off that lead to make it a 15 point game at the half, but the Celtics outscored them again by 17 in the third quarter and by 20 overall in the second half to roll to the win. The hosts led by as many as 37.
Tatum added six rebounds, four assists, and three steals to his career night shooting 16-22 from the floor and 6-9 from three-point range in the Boston win. Enes Kanter had a double double with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Gordon Hayward had 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Kemba Walker added 17 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Jaylen Brown also got into double figures with 13 points. The Celtics shot 55% from the floor and made 14-29 from the three-point arc. Frank Jackson had 22 points and Jaxson Hayes had 20 to lead New Orleans. Boston will host Chicago Monday night.
