David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jayson Tatum Delivers One of His Most Complete Games This Season, Celtics' Defense Stifles Jazz in Decisive Win
The Boston Celtics improved to 17-0 at TD Garden this season, matching a franchise record set in 1957-58 for their best start at home in a campaign.
They did so with a 126-97 win over the Utah Jazz, registering at least 120 points for the ninth-straight game.
Fueling that win was a stifling defense, with the hosts playing on a string to limit their guests to 6/28 shooting from beyond the arc and 13 turnovers through three quarters.
That allowed Boston to make its living in transition and consistently operate up-tempo offensively.
And with Jayson Tatum attacking downhill with force and uncorking one three after another off the dribble, Utah's chances of winning evaporated quickly.
The four-time All-Star stuffed the stat sheet with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal. It was one of his most complete performances this season.
Here's a deep dive into that and what else stood out as Boston improved its NBA-best record to 27-7.
1. The Celtics didn't let two days off leading into Friday night's matchup lead to rust. They were sharp from the opening tip, including back-to-back blocks by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
They played with considerable energy throughout the period, limiting the Jazz to 15 points while putting 30 on the board.
That's the fewest Boston's allowed in a quarter this season.
2. Helping the cause was a pair of Tommy Points from Oshae Brissett and Sam Hauser, respectively, diving onto the floor to retrieve the rock and fuel transition opportunities.
When Brissett did so, it led to a lob for Hauser, finishing above the rim for two of his eight points, the most any individual scored in the first frame.
That comes on the heels of the franchise's president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, saying the team would like to add a big wing but believes it can solve this search internally.
3. A lineup featuring Payton Pritchard, Jrue Holiday, Hauser, Jayson Tatum, and Luke Kornet played on a string defensively, including on a sequence where Pritchard perfectly timed joining Kornet to double team Jordan Clarkson in the corner, and Tatum rotated to intercept the skip pass before cruising in for a one-handed flush.
And with their soon-to-be five-time All-Star burying one off the dribble three after another and the hosts racking up transition points, that unit outscored Utah 20-4.
4. Tatum finished the first half with 23 points, pacing all participants. He did so on 5/10 shooting, including 4/6 from beyond the arc. Plus, he earned ten free throws, converting on nine.
Between that and a dominant team display defensively, Boston's lead grew as large as 36. The Celtics entered halftime with a commanding 71-40 advantage. That's tied for the ninth-largest halftime lead in franchise history, per Celtics Stats.
The hosts limited the Jazz to 30.6 percent shooting in the first 24 minutes, including a frigid 4/20 (20 percent) from three-point range. Their energy, synergy, and attention to detail stifled the visitors' offense and fueled their transition attack.
The C's had a 21-2 edge in fast-break scoring at intermission. They also parlayed nine Utah turnovers into 17 points.
5. With Boston protecting the perimeter, limiting the Jazz to 1/6 (16.7 percent) from beyond the arc for nearly the first ten minutes of the third quarter. They finished the period 2/8 from long distance.
At the other end, the hosts only committed three turnovers, another crucial factor in protecting a lead that mushroomed to 107-75 entering the final frame.
6. The other ingredient in the Celtics earning the last 12 minutes off, a significant development ahead of traveling to play the Indiana Pacers on the second night of a back-to-back, was Tatum remaining red-hot from three-point range.
The three-time All-NBA selection delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, though the opposition didn't provide much resistance.
He stuffed the stat sheet with 30 points on 6/12 shooting, made 5/8 threes, went 13/14 at the free-throw line, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out five assists, had a block and a steal, and only committed one turnover. He did all of that in 25 minutes.
7. An individual whose play stood out while he was in during the fourth quarter and throughout the night was Luke Kornet.
The seven-foot-two center is playing some of his best basketball as a Celtic since returning from his right adductor injury.
He finished Friday's lopsided win with a plus-14 plus-minus rating, snagged seven rebounds, had a block, and swiped a steal in 11 minutes.
Beyond the stat sheet, he made an impact defensively and thrived in his role as a screen setter who stays active offensively.
8. The Celtics are on to the second half of this back-to-back and a road matchup against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers that will tip off at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Further Reading
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Brad Stevens Says Celtics Have 'Green Light' to Add to Payroll, But Boston Still Restricted
Celtics' Maturation, Sacrifice Fueling Their Success
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
