Sam Hauser seized his opportunity in the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup, delivering a career-high 33 points in a 114-108 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Hauser made a season-best nine 3-pointers, continuing Boston’s high-volume, high-efficiency perimeter shooting approach.
The Celtics (47-18) attempted 53 shots from beyond the arc, making 18, while also converting 22 of 40 two-point attempts. Hauser’s shooting performance put him in rare company, as he became the fourth Celtics player this season—joining Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard—to hit at least nine 3-pointers in a game. Boston is the only team in the league to attempt more 3-pointers than 2-pointers per game.
Utah (15-50) kept the game close, rallying in the fourth quarter with a 39-point outburst after trailing by 21 entering the final period. John Collins led the Jazz with 28 points and 10 rebounds, but their comeback fell short against a Celtics team that controlled most of the game.
Hauser’s breakout performance was highlighted by a historic third quarter, where he became the 20th player in NBA history to hit at least seven 3-pointers in a single quarter. His hot streak helped the Celtics outscore Utah 37-22 in the frame, building what proved to be an insurmountable lead.
Jaylen Brown added 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while White contributed 18 points and 10 assists. Jrue Holiday finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists as Boston’s balanced attack compensated for Tatum’s absence.
For Utah, Collin Sexton recorded 16 points and 13 assists, while rookie Brice Sensabaugh provided a spark off the bench with 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Walker Kessler chipped in 11 points and 10 rebounds, but the Jazz struggled to slow Boston’s perimeter attack.
