Scoreboard
Hawks 130, Bulls 124
Celtics 120, Grizzlies 107
Heat 113, Nets 107
Pistons 108, Raptors 106
Mavericks 122, Warriors 113
Kings 115, Spurs 112
Clippers 132, Lakers 111
What went down
The Celtics are for real. For real-real.
The supernova that is Ja Morant visited the C’s at the TD Garden, looking to continue to put on a show. Instead, it was Boston that imposed its defensive will on the Grizzlies, winning 120-107.
Yes, Morant still put up monster numbers with 38 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. But he shot 4-of-12 from the 3-point line. Boston limited everyone outside of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, leaving Morant with not enough support to topple Boston’s humming offense.
The Celtics, meanwhile, were led by Jayson Tatum’s 37 points, 19 of which came in the fourth quarter as he matched Morant shot for shot. It was quite a birthday celebration for Tatum as he turned 24 years old and got a big win against one of the best teams in the NBA.
A throwback performance from Al Horford (21 points and 15 rebounds), along with Marcus Smart’s 18 points and 12 assists more than made up for the absence of Jaylen Brown, who was out with an ankle injury.
Boston has been on a tear as of late and they are climbing the Eastern Conference standings. Both the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks have been inconsistent this season, which could theoretically elevate the Celtics even further than where they are now, which is in fifth place. It took a while, but the Celtics are back to being the team we thought they could be.
Big-time baller
Are we at a point where we’re beginning to take Luka Doncic’s brilliance for granted? Tallying 41 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals, Doncic was the difference-maker in the Dallas Mavericks’ 122-113 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Luka was in command tonight 😤
— NBA (@NBA) March 4, 2022
41 points, 9 assists.. every facet of @luka7doncic's offensive game was on display in the @dallasmavs win. pic.twitter.com/VzoB3xe8CD
What he said
"Make sure I'm staying out of his f---ing way. Let him do his thing."
Marcus Smart knows the assignment when Tatum is in a groove: just let him do his thing.
Did you see that?
Trae Young buried back-to-back triples to help the Atlanta Hawks get a 130-124 and avoid a season sweep to the Chicago Bulls.
CLUTCH TREY FOR TRAE.
— NBA (@NBA) March 4, 2022
He's got 36. Hawks by 4 late.
Watch on League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/gxBK4p5NpF
