Boston’s Friday-night blowout was built on a 40-point first quarter and a dominant Jayson Tatum performance.
Boston crushed Charlotte 119-80 on Friday night, turning a 20-point first quarter into a runaway. The Celtics outscored the Hornets 40-20 in the opening period, led 70-39 at halftime and won three quarters while tying the fourth. Jayson Tatum drove the separation with 34 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding eight rebounds, nine assists, one steal, one block and four turnovers. He also hit five of eight threes and all 11 free throws. Derrick White supplied 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting, with four rebounds, five assists, one steal and two turnovers, while Payton Pritchard added 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and two turnovers on 4-of-10 shooting. Naz Reid led Charlotte’s listed scorers with 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, shooting 6-for-17 with two turnovers; Tidjane Salaun added 13. The 23-23 fourth quarter left Boston’s 39-point halftime cushion intact at the finish.
Key Performers
Jayson Tatum, Celtics: 34 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 4 TO; 9/16 FG, 5/8 3PT, 11/11 FT Derrick White, Celtics: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO; 6/10 FG, 4/6 3PT Naz Reid, Hornets: 14 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO; 6/17 FG, 2/5 3PT
Standings Impact
Boston’s supplied 6-2 record moves to 7-2; Charlotte’s 3-6 mark becomes 3-7. In the supplied Power Index, Boston is ranked 10th and Charlotte 24th.
DYMA Insight
Boston made the mismatch immediate: its 40-point opening quarter doubled Charlotte’s output and created a 31-point halftime lead. Tatum’s 34 points came with nine assists and 9-for-16 shooting, giving the rout a clear offensive engine.