On the very first possession of the game, Jaylen Brown pulled up for an above-the-break three – and nailed it.
The triple set the tone for the Celtics offense in their 145-108 dismantling of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Boston knocked down 25 threes on 47.2% shooting – their 25 made threes tied the Nets and Bulls for the most in a game this season and marks just the sixth time in franchise history that the C's have made 25 or more three-pointers.
Once again, Boston’s offense put on a clinic. Without Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics poured in 145 points, their second consecutive game with 140 points or more – marking just the third time in franchise history that this has happened and the first since 1966.
Boston has scored 289 points over its last two games on 100-of-186 (53.7%) shooting from the field and 47-of-94 (50%) from distance. Boston’s 47 3-pointers are the most they've made in franchise history over a two-game stretch – as they have outscored their opponents by 62 points over those two games.
The ball movement by the Celtics was fantastic once again Saturday afternoon, with the visitors racking up 33 assists.
The Clippers entered Saturday afternoon 11-3 at home and 9-1 in their last 10 games, until they ran into the buzzsaw that is the Boston Celtics.
Los Angeles led for just 1:05 in the contest, as Boston completely dominated the margins. The Celtics outrebounded the Clippers 51-34, including 15-9 on the offensive glass (resulting in 23 second-chance points), shot more free throws, and recorded fewer turnovers.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics in his return from injury, scoring a game-high 30 points on 9-of-16 (56.3%) from the field and 5-of-10 (50%) from deep in just three quarters of work.
Defensively, Boston shut down a Clippers’ offense that entered the game with the fourth most points per game (124.3) and the second-best offensive rating (125.2) in December.
Here are three takeaways as the Celtics earn their 14th victory over a team .500 or better and improve to 22-6 on the season.
Neemias Queta strengthens his case for a standard deal
With Luke Kornet sidelined due to an adductor injury, an opportunity emerged for Queta to see increased minutes.
Queta has seized that opportunity, once again delivering a standout performance on Saturday afternoon.
After recording his first career double-double against the Warriors on Tuesday night, Queta notched his second of the week Saturday, setting new career highs with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists in just 22:55 of play. Notably, six of Queta’s 12 boards were on the offensive glass.
Throughout the season, the 7-foot big man has consistently provided Boston with steady play, proving crucial for a team initially uncertain about its frontcourt depth. Queta has emerged as one of Boston’s best rebounders, particularly on the offensive end—an aspect emphasized by Joe Mazzulla this season.
Originally signed on a two-way deal, Queta is making a strong case for a standard contract. While there's room for improvement in his touch around the basket, he has demonstrated his capability to make a positive impact off the bench, solidifying his role as a valuable depth piece for Boston.
Two-way players are limited to 50 games, and with plenty of games left, Brad Stevens is likely to delay any contract changes until after the trade deadline. However, with an eye on the postseason, where two-way players are ineligible, the Celtics may explore converting Queta's contract—leveraging a team-friendly deal for a promising depth piece with high potential.
Jrue Holiday is finding his offensive rhythm
Entering Wednesday night against the Kings, Holiday had not recorded a 20-point scoring game this season. However, after posting 20 points on 8-of-12 (66.7%) shooting on Saturday afternoon, the L.A. native has now achieved 20-point efforts in back-to-back games.
Alongside his scoring, Holiday also contributed a game-high seven assists, grabbed six boards, and registered a block.
While Holiday has been impactful throughout the year, it seems like he is now finding his offensive rhythm – appearing much more comfortable and fitting into the flow of the offense, reflecting the team's growing chemistry.
The 14-year vet is also finding more success around the rim, something he struggled with early on this season – finishing 4-of-5 in the paint Saturday afternoon.
Closing time
The Celtics have been one of the worst offensive teams in the third quarter this season, often watching their halftime leads dwindle due to a slow start out of the locker room
Entering Wednesday night in Sacramento, the Celtics had posted a 108.0 offensive rating in the third quarter – only better than the 8-19 Memphis Grizzlies (106.5) and the 4-23 San Antonio Spurs (96.9).
However, this is an area the Celtics have been much better in over the last two games.
After building a 17-point halftime lead, the Celtics outscored the Clippers 38-30 in the third quarter, building their lead to as many as 35 points.
Boston’s 38 third quarter points are their second-most this season, behind just their 39 points Wednesday night in Sacramento.
Overall, the Celtics have outscored their opponents 77-55 over their last two games, which has resulted in the starters getting the fourth quarter off in both contests – an encouraging development in what has been a worrisome trend.
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