The Boston Celtics came out looking a little flat against the league-worst Golden State Warriors, and looked like they might pay for it until the first quarter was nearly done.
With one of their trademark slow starts having its usual effects, Boston found itself leaning on veteran forward Gordon Hayward to stir the team’s offensive game to life.
Back-to-back buckets from guard Marcus Smart gave the Celtics a six-point lead in the first frame’s final moments, and the Dubs never got closer for the rest of the contest.
The Celtics saw big nights from forwards Gordon Hayward, who continued his stellar play of late with 25 points and 8 boards, and All-Star Jayson Tatum, who logged 20 points and 6 rebounds on the eve of the news the Duke product got his first-ever All-Star nod.
Five Celtics in double figures ➡️ #CelticsWin pic.twitter.com/wYqih9H93H
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 31, 2020
Shooting guard Jaylen Brown added 18 points and 7 boards, and Marcus Smart had 21 points and 6 assists off the bench while shooting 50 % from deep and overall.
Point guard D’Angelo Russell led the Warriors with 22 points, 5 assists and 3 steals, and reserve guard Alec Burks added 18 points, but the Dubs were out of their depth with so many key players still out injured.
The Boston Celtics next face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, February 1st at TD Garden at 8:30pm ET.
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