BOSTON – The Boston Celtics dominated the Utah Jazz on Friday night, taking an early lead and never letting go. The Jazz struggled to find their rhythm on offense, while the Celtics capitalized on their hot shooting to secure a commanding 126-97 victory.
Boston came out firing, making their first four shots and jumping to a 10-0 lead. They continued their offensive onslaught, sinking nine of their first 14 shots to extend their lead to 15 points. Meanwhile, Utah couldn’t buy a basket, shooting a woeful 15.4 percent from the field with only six made shots in the first 18-plus minutes of the game.
With a 54-18 lead, Boston had already built an insurmountable advantage by the time the Jazz started to find their stride late in the second quarter. The Celtics maintained a comfortable lead of at least 20 points for the remainder of the night.
Leading the way for Boston was Jayson Tatum, who had a standout performance in limited playing time. Tatum nearly recorded a 30-point double-double, scoring 30 points while playing less than 25 minutes and resting for the entire fourth quarter. He was incredibly efficient, making 13 of his 14 free-throw attempts and draining five three-pointers. Tatum’s dominance extended beyond scoring, as he also grabbed nine rebounds and contributed five assists, a steal, and a blocked shot.
The Celtics’ collective effort was on display, with all five starters reaching double figures in scoring. Despite their limited minutes, each starter made significant contributions to the victory. Boston’s defense was particularly noteworthy, holding Utah to just 36.2 percent shooting from the field. Additionally, all five starters recorded a blocked shot.
The game’s outcome was never in doubt as Boston outscored Utah by 34 points during Tatum’s time on the court. His impact was evident, as the Celtics’ plus/minus rating with Tatum in the game was 12 points better than the next-best mark.
In summary, the Boston Celtics displayed their dominance against the struggling Utah Jazz, securing a resounding 126-97 victory. Jayson Tatum led the charge with his efficient scoring and impactful play on both ends of the court. The Celtics’ balanced attack and stifling defense ensured their victory from start to finish, leaving little room for Utah to mount a comeback.