Celtics beat Kings by second-largest margin of victory in franchise history
In perhaps their most dominant performance of the year, the Celtics blew out the Sacramento Kings 128-75 Tuesday night at TD Garden. The 53-point margin of victory is the second-largest in franchise history, and the largest at home.
It didn’t take long for the Celtics to build a double-digit lead. They got up 14-4 in the first four minutes, with 12 combined points from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That run drew a Kings timeout, but the pause didn’t do much to cool the C’s down. They came out of that break with a 10-3 run, and once again Tatum and Brown combined for all but two points. A Grant Williams three pointer at the buzzer punctuated a dominant opening 12 minutes by the Celtics, who led 38-13 after the first quarter.
The Celtics kept the heat on throughout the second quarter. Tatum had 24 points and Brown had 20 heading into the break, with the Celtics more than doubling up the Kings 63-30.
Tatum and Brown both eclipsed the 30 point mark in the third quarter, as the C’s lead continued to grow. Heading into the fourth, Boston was up 97-55.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Celtics flirted with a potential 60-point win, which would have been the largest in team history (the 60 point lead they held at one point was indeed the single-largest lead in franchise history). However, the Kings closed with a 7-0 run, saving them of the dubious distinction of being on the other end of that record-setting score.
Tatum and Brown nearly outscored Sacramento on their own, with 66 combined points. Tatum finished with 36 on 14-of-23 shooting, including 7-of-14 from three. Brown picked up a double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Robert Williams had a sizable double-double as well, with 13 points and 17 rebounds, as well as three steals. Every player on the Celtics’ active roster played in the game, and all but two – Marcus Smart and Enes Freedom – hit at least one shot.
The win – the Celtics’ second straight – has them back over .500 at 25-24 on the season. That’s good for the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference.
With a few days off ahead of them, the Celtics will look to carry Tuesday’s momentum to their next game Friday night against the Hawks. Tip-off from Atlanta is set for 7:30 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning at 7 on 105.7 WROR and the Celtics Radio Network.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
