Despite missing key players Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the Boston Celtics secured a hard-fought 101-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a game that showcased both defensive tenacity and offensive creativity.

With Brown and White sidelined, the Celtics adjusted their starting lineup, featuring Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum in the backcourt alongside Sam Hauser, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt. Tatum took on the challenge of guarding De’Aaron Fox, setting the tone for Boston’s defensive effort.

In the first quarter, the Celtics stifled the Kings, holding them to just 15 points on 23.8 percent shooting. Meanwhile, Boston’s offense capitalized on quality looks, maintaining an up-tempo pace and scoring 27 points to take a 12-point lead into the second quarter.

The second unit provided a significant boost for the Celtics, contributing 13 points and helping extend the lead. Head coach Joe Mazzulla experimented with different lineup combinations, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.

Despite Sacramento’s comeback efforts in the second quarter, Boston continued to execute inside-out basketball, generating high-percentage scoring opportunities and maintaining a four-point lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Celtics emphasized ball movement and spacing, leading to assists on seven of 12 made field goals. Porzingis and Tatum showcased their playmaking abilities, creating scoring opportunities for their teammates and extending Boston’s lead to 12 points heading into the final period.

However, Sacramento rallied in the fourth quarter, briefly taking the lead before Xavier Tillman’s clutch floater and key defensive stops secured the victory for Boston. The Celtics’ second unit played a crucial role in the win, contributing 43 points and overcoming a strong performance from Fox and the Kings’ offensive rebounding.

With the win, the Celtics improved to a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and now turn their attention to a Sunday matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM EST.