The Boston Celtics didn’t just bounce back Friday night-they made a statement.
Behind a career night from Payton Pritchard, the Celtics cruised past the Sacramento Kings, 112-93, at TD Garden. Pritchard poured in 29 points, including a scorching first half where he racked up 22 points and eight assists. The guard, starting in place of the injured Jaylen Brown, wasted no time asserting himself, helping Boston build a 72-46 halftime lead that proved insurmountable.
Pritchard’s performance was electric, but it wasn’t a solo act. Rookie Baylor Scheierman added 16 points, and the two combined to shoot a blistering 9-of-13 from deep.
The Celtics came out firing, hitting their first five shots and finishing the opening quarter 8-of-10 from the field to take a 15-point lead after just 12 minutes. That early rhythm set the tone for the night.
Neemias Queta gave Boston a strong presence inside, tallying 10 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Derrick White, steady as ever, dished out nine assists and helped orchestrate an offense that looked sharp and confident from the jump.
Even with a sizable lead, head coach Joe Mazzulla stayed locked in. He successfully challenged two calls in the third quarter, a stretch where Boston’s lead ballooned to as much as 31 points. It was the kind of complete performance the Celtics needed after Wednesday’s letdown at home against Atlanta.
Jaylen Brown sat this one out with hamstring tightness and a knee contusion, marking his fourth missed game of the season. Ironically, his absence came on the night of his bobblehead giveaway. But Pritchard filled the void with poise and production, showing once again how deep this Celtics roster can be.
On the other side, Sacramento continues to spiral. The Kings dropped their eighth straight, and the road has been especially unkind-they’re now 3-22 away from home and 0-5 on their current six-game trip.
Zach LaVine led the Kings with 17 points, while Nique Clifford chipped in 15. The team was once again shorthanded, missing Domantas Sabonis (knee), Keegan Murray (ankle), and Russell Westbrook (foot).
Malik Monk returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s game, but it wasn’t enough to stop the slide.
The night had some added local flavor, too. Members of the AFC champion New England Patriots were in the building and got a warm welcome on the TD Garden videoboard during first-half timeouts. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez sat courtside, joined by DeMario Douglas, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, and Kyle Williams-all soaking in the Celtics' dominant showing.
What’s Next:
- The Kings will try to salvage the final game of their road trip when they face the Wizards in Washington on Sunday night.
- The Celtics gear up for a marquee matchup at home against the Milwaukee Bucks, also on Sunday-a chance to keep building momentum against one of the East’s elite.
Friday night was about more than just a win-it was about reminding the league what this Boston team is capable of when it clicks. With depth, energy, and a little swagger, the Celtics looked every bit like a team ready to make noise.