Boston Celtics leaned on a late surge and a dominant all-around effort from Jaylen Brown to secure a 120-106 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center. The victory improved Boston to 21-12 and capped another composed road performance.
Brown finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, adding four assists before fouling out in the final minutes. The All-Star forward went 11-of-25 from the field and made six free throws, continuing a stretch in which he has scored at least 20 points in 12 of his last 15 games.
The Celtics faced resistance early as Sacramento controlled much of the first half despite Boston connecting on 10 three-pointers. Precious Achiuwa scored eight points in the opening quarter, helping the Kings erase an early deficit and briefly take control.
Boston trailed 61-56 late in the second quarter before Brown sparked a 6-0 run with two layups to close the half. That sequence allowed the visitors to settle in after uneven defensive stretches.
The game tightened in the third period as Sacramento mounted its strongest push of the night. After Boston briefly stretched the margin to eight, the Kings rallied to take a four-point lead before the teams entered the fourth tied at 88.
Derrick White delivered the decisive moment, drilling a tiebreaking three-pointer to put Boston ahead 93-90 with 10:45 remaining. The guard finished with 16 points and seven assists, providing steady control late.
Sacramento pulled within 104-100 with 6:30 left, but Boston responded with poise. Brown converted a three-point play and White followed with another three during an 11-2 run that pushed the lead to 115-102 with under three minutes to play.
Payton Pritchard added 16 points and six assists, while Sam Hauser knocked down five three-pointers for 15 points. Anfernee Simons chipped in 14 off the bench as Boston shot 51 percent overall and 41 percent from deep.
For Sacramento, DeMar DeRozan led with 25 points and six assists, while Dennis Schroder scored 18 and Keon Ellis added 16. The loss dropped the Kings to 8-26 and marked their ninth defeat in 11 games.
The Celtics continue their road trip Saturday against the Clippers, while the Kings travel to Phoenix looking to halt their slide.
