For much of December and January, the Celtics reminded everyone that while they have an excellent chance to repeat, they’re human and susceptible to slip-ups like every other team.
However, so far in February, they’ve returned to the juggernaut they were to start the year. The Celtics, who beat the Spurs 116-103 at TD Garden, have won seven of eight to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.
Boston has struggled at home in recent weeks, but the Celtics gave fans plenty to cheer about on Wednesday night. With Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday out, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White carried the Celtics to a relatively stress-free win. San Antonio stayed within striking distance, but Boston never let it get more dicey than it had to be.
Tatum led the way with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, continuing to showcase his versatility and killer instinct. Tatum has scored 30-plus points in three straight games for the first time since late December.
Porzingis added 29 points and six boards, and White provided 19 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. As a team, the Celtics shot 46.2 percent while out-rebounding the Spurs, 56-38.
The Celtics jumped out to a 37-19 lead through 1, shooting a blistering 53.6 percent from the floor while holding the Spurs to 1 of 11 from 3-point range.
Tatum sizzled to start, pouring in 14 first-quarter points and finding Al Horford for a 3 as time expired to cap a dominant stretch.
Porzingis made a point to go at Victor Wembanyama (17 points) and scored over him with a series of crafty post moves. The Celtics limited Wembanyama to four points in the quarter, with Horford and Luke Kornet also faring admirably. White even snuck up behind Wembanyama to poke the ball free and set up a transition Tatum 3.
The second quarter was relatively even, but the Celtics managed to preserve a 66-47 advantage heading into halftime. White continued to showcase his versatility, Sam Hauser sprinkled in some buckets and Tatum added a few more of his own. Tatum had more 3’s (four) than the Spurs (three) at the half.
Newly acquired Torrey Craig made his Celtics debut in the second quarter and fit in seamlessly from the start. Craig hit two 3-pointers, delivered a pinpoint extra pass to Tatum for 3 and was sharp defensively. Craig, known for his blend of shooting and defense, made a case to earn regular playing time moving forward.
As a team, the Celtics shot 51 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from 3 in the half, out-rebounding the Spurs, 29-22, and racking up 17 assists. Everyone was a threat, as they moved the ball with purpose and played with pace.
De’Aaron Fox (23 points) helped the Spurs trim the Celtics’ lead to 79-69 midway through the third, then Tatum and Porzingis found a rhythm once again to help Boston stay in front.
On one particular play, Tatum delivered the ball on the money to Porzingis, who let two defenders fly by before slamming it home with conviction. Payton Pritchard then banked in a corner 3 over Wembanyama to give the Celtics a 93-81 edge through three.
The Spurs trimmed it to eight early in the fourth before Porzingis and Pritchard buried back-to-back 3’s in one fluid swoop. Porzingis then delivered a slick over-the-shoulder pass to Horford, who whipped it over to Hauser for 3.
White took a charge on Wembanyama and Porzingis converted at the free-throw line to help put the game away.
The Celtics have eight days off before facing the 76ers next Thursday.
