Behind a dominant defensive effort, the Boston Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons 102-93 Friday night at Little Caesars Arena. The Celtics held the Pistons to just 16 points in the first quarter, and 15 in the second.
Playing in his first game since being snubbed from this year’s All-Star Game, Jaylen Brown looked to make a statement. He had 10 points in the first quarter, helping the Celtics jump out to a 28-16 lead.
The Celtics’ defense continued to stifle the Pistons in the second quarter. Detroit managed just 15 points in the frame, and at halftime was shooting 29.5 percent from the floor. Heading into the break, the Celtics led 46-31.
Despite their convincing halftime lead, the Celtics couldn’t keep the Pistons down for long in the second half. After getting up by as many as 19 points, Boston allowed a 15-7 Detroit run to cut the gap to 11. At that point, Ime Udoka called a timeout.
That proved to be a good call from Udoka, as the Celtics responded with a 21-10 run to close the quarter. Jayson Tatum alone had 19 in the third, and the Celtics took a 78-56 lead into the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, the Celtics’ lead grew to over 20 points. Udoka emptied the bench, but the Pistons were able to get within 12 points with two minutes left. The second unit held off the Pistons as time ran down.
Tatum finished with a game-high 24 points and was a rebound shy of a double-double. Brown had 13, while Robert Williams posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Richardson added 12 points off the bench, continuing what’s been a strong stretch for him.
With the win, the Celtics improve to 29-25 on the season. They’ve now won a season-high four straight games, and six of their last seven.
Next up, the Celtics head on the road to take on the Detroit Pistons on Friday. That game starts at 7 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
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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.