Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were so productive through the first three quarters that Boston didn’t need either of them in the fourth, as the Celtics routed Detroit 114-93.
Tatum and Brown made up the bulk of the scoring for Boston, with each of them putting up 26 points through the first three quarters.
The only other player in double-digits for the Celtics was Grant Williams, who came off the bench to score 18, a new career-high for the rookie.
It wasn’t points, but Enes Kanter grabbed double-digit rebounds, pulling down 18 of the team’s 51 boards.
Kemba Walker struggled from the floor on Friday night, going 0-of-6. His only two points of the game came from the free-throw line, although he did dish out 11 assists.
Boston was also playing without Gordon Hayward, who was out again with a sore left foot, and Marcus Smart, who is still dealing with a left eye infection.
However, it wasn’t Hayward or Smart that fans most wanted to see.
Chants of “We want Tacko!” rained down inside TD Garden during the fourth quarter.
Fans got their wish with 4:31 remaining in the game. Brad Stevens even got in on the fun, motioning for fans to cheer and get louder before motioning for Fall to check into the game.
This is the best thing you will see all day. I promise. pic.twitter.com/leNL2oiaIc
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) December 21, 2019
Those left inside TD Garden responded accordingly.
TACKO IS IN. THIS IS NOT A DRILL
stream: https://t.co/yPo3pG3LN0 pic.twitter.com/ntuqjbXHsy
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 21, 2019
Fall finished with five points and two rebounds.
After dropping back-to-back games, Boston has now won two straight. The Celtics improve to 19-7 on the year and 11-1 at home.
They are back in action on Sunday when they host the Hornets at 5 p.m. ET.