The Boston Celtics continued their strong performance with a commanding 126-94 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night at TD Garden, following a notable win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game was particularly significant for Kristaps Porzingis, who made his much-anticipated return to the court after a lengthy injury hiatus.
This win marked the Celtics’ sixth consecutive triumph, elevating their record to 15-3 and securing them the second spot in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Clippers dropped to 11-8, holding on to the sixth position in the Western Conference standings.
Porzingis Shines in Return as Celtics Glide to Victory
After undergoing ankle surgery and spending five months rehabilitating, Kristaps Porzingis made a notable impact in his return, marking a key moment in the Celtics’ dominant performance. He had not played since Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals due to a leg injury and was back in the starting lineup after missing the first 17 games of the current season.
Porzingis quickly made his presence felt, scoring the Celtics’ first basket and hitting four 3-pointers in the early minutes of the game. In just 23 minutes, he achieved 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal, proving he was back to his prime condition.
Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum also played key roles in the Celtics’ success. Coming off the bench, Pritchard scored 20 points, hitting six of ten attempts from the three-point line, alongside two rebounds and four assists. Tatum contributed another 20 points complemented by nine rebounds and four assists, supporting the team in extending their winning streak.
Derrick White added 19 points, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 17 points in 31 minutes played. Neemius Queta also made his mark with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
On the Clippers’ side, Ivica Zubac led with a double-double, posting 23 points and 10 rebounds. James Harden contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 11 points. Both Jordan Miller and Terrance Mann scored 10 points each in the defeat.
The Celtics are set to face off against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, while the Clippers will look to regroup against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Image Source: The Boston Celtics @ Instagram
