Alex Barth
February 7th
The Celtics went into Monday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons significantly shorthanded, without Jaylen Brown (non-COVID illness), Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain), and Luke Kornet (left ankle sprain). That left plenty on the plate of Jayson Tatum, and he rose to the occasion.
Despite receiving heavy attention from the Detroit defense, Tatum scored a game-high 34 points on 11-of-24 shooting. He also added 11 rebounds and six assists, leading the Celtics to a 111-99 win.
In particular, Tatum came up big in the second half. He shot 7-of-8 from the floor and 3-of-4 from deep in the third quarter, scoring 11 points as the Celtics dominated the frame 30-19. The Pistons started closing the game early in the fourth quarter, but Tatum re-entered the lineup midway through and helped steady things for the win.
Stepping into a supporting role with Brown and Smart out was Derrick White. White scored 23 points, and had seven rebounds and seven assists.
It was also a big night for Sam Hauser, who made his first career NBA start. Hauser was automatic from deep, shooting 5-of-9 from three (he only took one two-point shot, which he missed).
Under the basket, Robert Williams turned in a dominant performance. Playing just 29 minutes – the fewest of any Celtics starter – Williams scored 15 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for his fourth double-double in just 11 games this year.
Throw it to Rob and he's gonna get it 😤 pic.twitter.com/kjkqzww1Po
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 7, 2023
With the win, the Celtics improved to 38-16 on the season. That keeps them one game ahead of the surging Milwaukee Bucks, who have won eight games in a row.
That big matchup between the Celtics and Bucks is coming in a week, but first Boston has a three-game homestand at hand. That stretch begins on Wednesday, with the Philadelphia 76ers coming to town. Coverage of that game begins at 7 p.m. ET on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Celtics Radio Network.
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.
