The Boston Celtics extended their win streak to four games with a close win over the Portland Trail Blazers on their home court of Moda Center Tuesday night, winning 116 – 115 after some clutch makes by All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum and rising big man Robert Williams III.
A tight game almost from tip to buzzer with the Trail Blazers holding the lead for much of the first half and the Celtics for most of the final frame, the two teams traded buckets in the games waning seconds with Tatum sealing the deal with a step-back 3 with just seconds left on the clock. The St. Louis native led all scorers with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, and fellow All-Star wing Jaylen Brown put up 24 points and 4 boards.
Starting point guard Kemba Walker had one of his best games in some with with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, Timelord chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds while veteran guard Marcus Smart provided another 13 points and 7 assists.
Celtics Lab 39: Sizing up the East's middle class ahead of the stretch run https://t.co/8rGkEISNY7
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 14, 2021
It was a high-quality road for a team still not quite healthy with veteran shooting guard Evan Fournier still in the league’s health and safety protocols, hinting this team might be on verge of finally hitting the stride expected of them by many to start the season.
The team improves to 29 – 26 and fifth in the Eastern Conference with the win, and now travel to Los Angeles to face their historic rivals in the Lakers on Thursday, April 15.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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