Boston CelticsOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114–99 on March 29 at Spectrum Center, with Jayson Tatum leading the way on 32 points while Payton Pritchard added 28 in a dominant road performance. Boston's offensive efficiency proved decisive, shooting 50.6% from the field and draining 14 three-pointers while forcing the Hornets into 11 turnovers against just five of their own. The Celtics' second quarter was particularly punishing—they outscored Charlotte 36–28 in that frame—and their defense held Charlotte to a 43.4% clip and 99 total points, well below the Vegas total of 216.5. LaMelo Ball's 19 points and Mikal Bridges' 14 couldn't offset Boston's balance: the Celtics distributed 23 assists and posted a 127.1 offensive rating against Charlotte's 107.2. The Hornets' defensive rating of 127.1 underscored their inability to contain the Celtics' perimeter attack and ball movement. This victory reinforces Boston's status as an elite offensive team while widening their margin in the Eastern Conference standings.
