Celtics Secure Sixth Consecutive Victory with Thrilling Finish Against Grizzlies

In a nail-biting Sunday night matchup, the Celtics clinched their sixth straight win, overcoming the Grizzlies 102-100 in a wild final 30 seconds of regulation. Despite Memphis missing key players, including Marcus Smart, the game remained intense, with the hosts narrowly missing a potential game-winner in the closing seconds. Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 26 points, including the decisive game-winner, while Sam Hauser contributed 15 points off the bench. The win propelled Boston to an NBA-best 11-2 record, setting the stage for a chance to complete a perfect 4-0 road trip in Charlotte on Monday night. Here are four key takeaways from the Celtics’ impressive performance:

1. Marcus Smart’s Sidelines Spectacle:

Marcus Smart, sidelined due to a left foot sprain, watched from the Memphis bench, setting the stage for a dramatic return to TD Garden in February. His absence creates anticipation for his first game against his former teammates, promising a thrilling encounter in front of a hyped-up Garden crowd.

2. Sam Hauser’s Consistent Excellence:

Sam Hauser continued his stellar performance as a reliable player off the bench, standing out as the most consistent contributor. Despite Boston’s initial struggles with 3-pointers, Hauser showcased his prowess by sinking his first four attempts beyond the arc, accumulating 12 points in the opening half. With eight consecutive games of multiple 3-pointers, Hauser’s impact was evident, leading the team in plus/minus (+14) and finishing the night with 15 crucial points.

3. Porzingis Exploits Paint Mismatches:

Facing a larger starting lineup from the Grizzlies, Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis capitalized on paint mismatches, dominating the post and making eight of his first nine shots inside the arc. With Memphis grappling with foul trouble, Porzingis capitalized, concluding the game with a season-high six blocks, 26 points, and a remarkable 9-of-10 shooting from inside the arc.

4. Celtics’ Continued Mastery Over Memphis:

The Celtics maintained their dominance against the injury-plagued Grizzlies, securing their 14th win in the last 15 matchups. Although Memphis presented a weakened lineup, Boston’s ability to consistently triumph over seven seasons underscores the impressive partnership of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The upcoming rematch in Boston, with Smart and Ja Morant likely back for the Grizzlies, promises a tougher challenge for the Celtics.