The Boston Celtics snapped their streak of three consecutive losses by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 115-93 in an NBA game. Jayson Tatum, the star player of the Boston team, led a great offensive effort by scoring 30 points in the game. The Celtics lost first place in the Eastern Conference last week, which was followed by a series of collapses during their recent slump that included losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets. Against Portland, however, the Celtics showed few signs that their problems persisted and got back on the winning track in decisive fashion. Boston led from the first quarter on and never looked back, building a 27-point lead before the game’s conclusion.
Boston’s defense restricted star guard Damian Lillard to 27 points, while only two other Portland starters scored in double figures. All Boston starters finished in double figures, with Tatum’s 30 points leading the way. Derrick White, Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart also contributed to the scoring. Tatum was pleased that Boston had managed to keep Portland at arm’s length after their recent losses in which they squandered big leads. Boston now departs for a six-game road trip, where they will look to keep their momentum going.
In other NBA action, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat by a score of 104-100, while the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Dallas Mavericks 113-106 with a late scoring flurry from C.J. McCollum. The Cavaliers are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 42-26 record, while the Pelicans earned a well-deserved win over the Mavericks.