The Celtics concluded their mini homestand with a 120-99 blowout victory over the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night at TD Garden to finish 3-0.
Jaylen Brown had a game-high 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting to go along with six rebounds and five assists, while Jayson Tatum recorded 24 points on 7-of-15 from the field, including knocking down five from 3-point range and 10 rebounds for his third double-double in six games since returning from a torn Achilles.
"What it means is just gratitude. I don't take for granted being able to coach some of the best players in the game today, but some of the best players of all time," Joe Mazzulla told reporters about being able to coach both Brown and Tatum.
Payton Pritchard added 19 points, seven assists and Luka Garza chipped in 15 points, seven rebounds off the bench to help the Celtics improve to 46-23 on the season.
Gary Payton II and Pat Spencer each scored 14 points to lead the Warriors, who were without Stephen Curry (knee) and are 6-13 since he's been sidelined. Draymond Green and Gui Santos netted 13 apiece, while former Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis had 11 points and five rebounds for Golden State, that now have a 33-36 record.
Boston had a 36-23 advantage and Brown scored 19 in the opening quarter, before surpassing Dave Cowens in the second period with 13,193 points to crack the franchise's top-10 scoring list, trailing his current teammate Tatum -- who's ninth on the list.
"Obviously, congrats to him," Tatum said postgame about Brown's accomplishment. "It just goes to show the dedication and commitment that he's made to his craft and getting better every single year. This is year 10 for him and nine for me, so it's just been cool to see. I've seen him the last nine years develop and just get better each and every year to turn into the player he is now. It's just cool when you get rewarded for the work you put in."
The Celtics took a 63-50 lead into the break and used a 24-10 run to begin the third, but Golden State wouldn't go away, as they cut a 21-point deficit to 11 early on in the final frame. The home team responded with a 17-6 spurt to get it back up to 22, which was capped off with 3-pointer from Tatum with 6:25 left to play.
It was another regular season sweep by the Celtics, making it a perfect 8-0 record over all four of the California teams, the first time that has been completed in franchise history and a 10-0 record over all Pacific Division teams, which includes the Phoenix Suns.
The Celtics head back out on the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies (24-44) Friday night for a 8:00 pm ET tip-off.
Game Notes:
Boston hit 48% of their field goal attempts, including going 14-of-39 (36%) from deep, while the Warriors hit 40% from the floor and 10-of-43 (23%) from 3-point territory. The Celtics won the rebound battle 49-39 and outscored the visiting team 48-44 in the paint. The C's had 26 total assists on 44 baskets and 16 turnovers, while Golden State dished out 22 dimes on 36 made shots and turned the ball over 14 times.
Joel Pavón
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