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After a hot-shooting evening in Miami, the Celtics struggled to knock down pictures in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers, dropping their second straight residence recreation 115-96.
The Celtics shot 15-of-51 (4-of-23 from three) within the first two quarters. The 29% capturing was the bottom capturing first half for Boston this yr.
The one participant who had it going offensively was Jayson Tatum, who scored seven of Boston’s first 9 factors. When the staff’s offense went chilly, the Celtics struggled getting Tatum the ball as he completed the half with simply 12 factors on 5/8 capturing. Tatum did, nevertheless, attain 11,000 profession factors on his first make of the sport.
Tatum’s first basket tonight gave him 11,000 profession factors. He’s the 14th Celtic to achieve that mark and simply the seventh NBA participant to take action earlier than his twenty sixth birthday.
— Dick Lipe (@DickLipe) January 28, 2024
Each time Boston tried to go on a run, the Clippers discovered a solution to silence the group. A spotlight from the primary half was when Luke Kornet (together with his new haircut) checked in, blocked Russell Westbrook after which beat everybody down the courtroom and completed the sequence with an alley-oop.
The Clippers led 55-39 at halftime.
Within the second half, the message was clear: get the ball to Tatum and let him work. The five-time All-Star scored seven straight factors to open the quarter. Nonetheless, the Clippers stored making well timed performs due to Terrance Mann who recorded two offensive rebounds within the first three minutes of the third quarter, doing a little bit of every little thing for the Clippers.
The Clippers led by as a lot as 33 (79-46) with 3:30 left within the third quarter, due to a 20-0 run. The Celtics didn’t rating for over six minutes through the run.
Los Angeles beat Boston to each unfastened ball, performed quicker, and dictated the tempo. The Celtics protection which appeared formidable all season, couldn’t get a cease all evening. Kawhi Leonard bought no matter he wished, ending with 26 factors on 10/15 capturing with out enjoying within the fourth quarter.
The Clippers held a 91-60 benefit going into the ultimate quarter.
Within the fourth quarter, Joe Mazzulla waved the white flag and pulled his starters to offer minutes to the likes of Neemias Queta, Dalano Banton, Svi Mykhailiuk, Lamar Stevens, and Oshae Brissett. Jayson Tatum was the one starter to achieve double figures with 21 factors.
Boston completed the sport capturing 35.6% from the sector and 25% from three.
The Celtics will look to rebound in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday evening.
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