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mar 30 2026CHARLOTTE — The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-99 in the NBA, powered by a strong performance from Jayson Tatum, who scored 32 points, and Payton Pritchard, who added 28. Boston controlled the game from the start and secured their third consecutive victory, solidifying their position among the Eastern Conference's strongest teams.
The game began with a solid pace from the Boston Celtics, who quickly found offensive advantages against an inaccurate Charlotte Hornets team from three-point range. The visiting defense limited the home team's primary offensive weapon, the three-pointer, and allowed Boston to take control of the scoreboard from the opening minutes.
With Jayson Tatum leading the offense, the Celtics steadily expanded their lead. The small forward finished with 32 points and eight assists, shooting efficiently (12 of 23 from the field and 5 of 10 from three-point range). Alongside him was Payton Pritchard, who stepped up again as a substitute for Jaylen Brown, who was absent due to Achilles tendon soreness. Pritchard scored 28 points, making 10 of 18 field goals and a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line, while also constantly attacking the rim.
Boston led by as much as 19 points in the first half, largely thanks to their perimeter defense against the Hornets. Charlotte, who entered the game leading the NBA in three-pointers made (1,210) and ranking among the most efficient teams from long range (38.2%), finished just 12 of 43 from three against the second-place Eastern Conference team's defense.
The home team attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter. The Charlotte Hornets cut the deficit to nine points early in the final period, but their comeback attempt stalled when Tatum hit a three-pointer directly over Miles Bridges, restoring the Celtics' advantage and cooling the home crowd's momentum. Shortly after, a layup by Pritchard extended the lead to +17 with 3:52 remaining, at which point Charlotte's coaching staff decided to rest their starters.
Beyond Tatum and Pritchard, Neemias Queta contributed 17 points and eight rebounds for the Boston Celtics, who managed the game well despite playing their second consecutive game without Jaylen Brown.
For the Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo Ball finished with 19 points, while Miles Bridges added 14, though the team struggled significantly from three-point range. Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel combined for just 7 of 27 from three, reflecting the offensive difficulties for the home team.
With this NBA victory, the Boston Celtics extend their winning streak to three consecutive games, strengthening their candidacy at the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Charlotte Hornets closed their seven-game home stand with two consecutive losses, after winning the first five games to secure at least their spot in the NBA play-in tournament.
