In a thrilling game on Friday night, Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics (5-1) to a 124-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets (2-3), posting an impressive 32 points and 11 rebounds. Jaylen Brown supported the effort with 25 points, while Derrick White and Jrue Holiday contributed 17 and 14 points, respectively, helping the Celtics pull away in the final minutes.
LaMelo Ball led Charlotte’s efforts with 31 points, but the Hornets faced a tough battle without injured starters Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. Ball fouled out late in the fourth quarter, marking a pivotal point in the game as Boston capitalized on his absence to secure their lead.
Tensions escalated in the final quarter as the Hornets’ Grant Williams received a flagrant foul 2, resulting in an ejection after running over Tatum near half-court. Ball himself was soon called for a flagrant foul after a hard foul on Tatum during a three-point attempt, intensifying the already heated game atmosphere. In the closing seconds, Miles Bridges joined the ejected list, heightening frustrations for the Hornets.
For the Celtics, the team’s disciplined approach in the final stretch underscored their championship aspirations. Boston managed to keep their composure while benefiting from the 26 fouls called against Charlotte, a disparity that underscored the game’s physicality. Holiday’s crucial three-pointer with 2:24 left provided Boston with additional breathing room as they closed out the game.
