Bayern team during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, corresponding to the week 5 of the group C of the UEFA Champions League, played at the Spotify Camp Nou, in Barcelona, on 26th october 2022. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics defeated the Sacramento Kings 144-119 at Golden 1 Center.
The Celtics improved to 21-6 with the victory, while the Kings fell to 16-10.
The complete box score can be found here.
ONE MAJOR TAKEAWAY
Boston was in for a challenge from the start.
Jayson Tatum was ruled out hours before tip-off, leaving the Celtics with a huge void to fill against a Kings offense that is among the most dominant in the NBA. Boston and Sacramento combined for 19 three-pointers in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the night.
By halftime, both teams had tied an NBA record by making 14 3-pointers each.
The Celtics piled on after that shared offensive clinic, outscoring the Kings 39-24 in the third quarter. Kristaps Porzingis added 14 points in the runaway frame while making his return to the lineup and working around what appeared to be a sprained ankle during a shot attempt.
That outstanding performance buried Sacramento’s and Boston’s reputations as the NBA’s worst third-quarter teams.
Five Celtics scored in double figures: Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard.
The Celtics’ defense was also impressive, as they recorded 10 blocks and six steals while competing with the Kings on the fast break — Boston scored 30 fastbreak points to Sacramento’s six.
Boston has now won six straight games.
STARS OF THE GAME
— White finished with 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting, connecting on six 3-point attempts, seven assists, and three blocks.
— Porzingis was active all over the court, scoring 24 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking six shots.
— Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox continued to cause problems for the Celtics, scoring 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting with three steals.
WATCH THE WAGER
FanDuel Sportsbook set the odds of White making at least four 3-point attempts at +200, which he easily beat. By halftime, White had gone 5-for-6 from beyond the arc as part of an outstanding 21-point first-half performance. A $100 bet on White would have resulted in a $300 total payout.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The Celtics will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday as part of their West Coast road trip. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena.
