Celtics 122, Grizzlies 107: Jayson Tatum keeps Memphis from clinching play-in series spot

Jayson Tatum continued his impressive shooting on Tuesday night, as the Celtics beat the Memphis Grizzlies 122-107 for their fourth straight win in Orlando.

Tatum scored a game-high 29 points on 10-of-13 from the field, including going 4-of-5 from behind the arc, while Boston lead by as many as 22 points -- keeping the Grizzlies from clinching a play-in series spot for a possible playoff berth out West.

Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker scored 19 points a piece and Marcus Smart added 11 points off the bench for the Celtics -- who are now 48-23 and have locked up the No. 3 seed in the East.

"I think we're pretty close to being ready, especially after tonight," said Walker, who played a total of 28 minutes. "We've definitely come a long way. We're jelling really well. We're having fun. Competing at a very high level. I think we're feeling pretty good right now."

Ja Morant lead the Grizzlies with a double-double of 26 points, 13 assists and Brandon Clarke netted 15 points off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas also recorded a double-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds and Dillon Brooks chipped in 14 points for Memphis -- who are 33-39 and have lost six of seven in the NBA 'bubble.'

The Celtics went on a 33-11 run in the second quarter and never surrendered their double-digit lead, holding Memphis to 39.3 percent shooting (7-of-29 from 3) for the game. Boston hit 51.2 percent of their shots and 16-of-37 3-pointers.

No starter played more than 32 minutes for Brad Stevens and three players from the second unit scored in double-figures including Enes Kanter (11 points, eight rebounds) and Robert Williams (10 points, seven rebounds).

Boston, 5-2 in the restart, will look to wrap-up their seeding games on a high note when they face the 24-47 Washington Wizards on Thursday afternoon.

Game Notes:

The Celtics assisted 29 times on 44 made baskets behind Smart (9), Hayward (5) and Wanamaker (4). Daniel Theis played 18 minutes against the Grizzlies despite being on the injury report with a sore foot and listed as probable prior to tip-off.



Joel Pavón
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Photo used courtesy of The Associated Press