In a nail-biting finish, the Boston Celtics (61-16) edged past the Sacramento Kings (44-33) 101-100, with Payton Pritchard’s 21 points, including five crucial 3-pointers, leading the charge.
Kristaps Porzingis contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Celtics extend their winning streak to 12 consecutive games at home.
Despite De’Aaron Fox’s impressive 40-point performance for the Kings, including a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer with 27 seconds left, the Celtics held firm to secure the win.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla strategically rested his starters during the fourth quarter, relying on the depth of his bench to see out the victory.
Domantas Sabonis added 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings, who are striving to avoid a spot in the play-in tournament amidst a tight Western Conference race.
The Kings staged a remarkable comeback, cutting a 19-point deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter.
The absence of starters Jaylen Brown and Derrick White didn’t deter the Celtics, who secured the thrilling win.
