Celtics Triumph Over Hornets Behind Tatum and Hauser’s Stellar Performances

In a decisive victory against the Charlotte Hornets, the Boston Celtics showcased their prowess on Monday night, securing a 118-104 win. Jayson Tatum led the charge with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Sam Hauser delivered a stellar performance with 25 points, including seven 3-pointers.

Kristaps Porzingis contributed 20 points, and Derrick White added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who have now claimed victory in 11 of their last 13 games.

Hauser’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc, where he went 7 of 11, was instrumental in Boston’s success. The Celtics made a total of 19 3-pointers against the Hornets, avenging an earlier loss in the season.

Reflecting on his impressive shooting display, Hauser credited Tatum for creating opportunities. “JT (Tatum) draws a lot of traps and extra help, and he’s able to make the right plays out of that,” Hauser remarked.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Hauser’s confidence and emphasized how his production is a testament to the team’s offensive strategies. “I think just layers of our offense is what unleashes him,” Mazzulla stated. “The guys understand that he’s a weapon in different ways, and so when we get to the second and third layer of our offense, especially when teams are guarding us a certain way, it really unleashes guys like Sam.”

Despite a resilient effort from the Hornets, highlighted by Miles Bridges’ 26 points and 11 rebounds, Charlotte struggled to contain Boston’s size advantage. The Celtics capitalized on their dominance in the paint, particularly with Porzingis leading the charge.

The Hornets found themselves trailing as the Celtics surged ahead in the third quarter, ultimately sealing the victory with a commanding lead. Charlotte’s coach Steve Clifford acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses, attributing their struggles to Boston’s quick offensive transitions.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will face the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Wednesday, while the Hornets will host the Portland Trail Blazers on the same day.