Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) sets to drive against Utah Jazz guard Kris Dunn (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Boston.
BOSTON — The Celtics built up a huge lead as they dominated the Jazz right from tipoff without any problems. That’s all they needed as the C’s beat up the Jazz in a 126-97 win Friday at TD Garden. The C’s are now 27-7 on the season while the Jazz fell to 16-20.
The Celtics were already up 10-0 before the Jazz scored a bucket as momentum snowballed from there for the home team. The Jazz struggled to make shots all night, which allowed the Celtics to build a lead that peaked at 36 points Friday.
By halftime, it was a 71-40 Boston lead as there wasn’t much resistance from the Jazz. While Utah had occasional bursts, it never threatened to cut the lead much closer. The C’s continued to take care of business in the second half, never letting the Jazz put together a real comeback effort.
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The Celtics were without Al Horford, who sat Friday due to rest and with it being the first game of a back-to-back. Instead of sitting both Horford and Kristaps Porzingis on the second game of back-to-backs, the C’s elected to stagger their big men so at least one of them is available for each game.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 30 points as he was only needed for 25 minutes Friday. Kristaps Porzingis added another 19 points and five rebounds in his 27 minutes. Lauri Markkanen put up 17 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Jazz in the losing effort.
The C’s take on the Pacers at 7 p.m. Friday in Indiana next. Interestingly, the C’s will have three road games at the Pacers this season because of the in-season tourney. Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over Utah:
Matching history: The Celtics haven’t lost a home game since March 5 as they improved to a sparkling 17-0 at home this season. That matches a franchise record as the Celtics haven’t had many issues playing at the Garden this season. On the flip side, home games haven’t led to many victories during the playoffs over the past two seasons for the Celtics. So while the home record is significant, the C’s will also look to translate that success to the postseason, though they still have more than half the season still left to go.
Defense suffocates: While the Jazz weren’t executing much Friday, the Celtics get a lot of credit for slowing them down significantly. The Jazz hit just 36.2% of their field goals Friday, putting up just 97 points. The C’s defense has been pesky throughout the season, though coach Joe Mazzulla said they still have a ways to go before they’re elite. Friday’s performance should be another step forward as the Jazz didn’t have much rhythm all night.
Efficient night: With the Celtics initially building their lead Friday, Tatum was everywhere — especially at the free throw line. Tatum sat the entire fourth quarter of the blowout win, but he still finished with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists in his 25 minutes. He was also 13-of-14 from the free throw line, also converting a four-point play. Tatum otherwise shot 5-for-8 from 3-point land, finishing 6-of-12 from the floor.
Solid production: While Tatum was a huge part of the C’s building up their lead in the second quarter, the bench crew should also get credit. Oshae Brissett and Sam Hauser were the first two reserves in the game as they both had solid nights.
Hauser finished with 13 points and five rebounds on 3-for-7 3-point shooting, Brissett put up six points and made hustle plays, and Payton Pritchard had seven points and four assists. The bench got to play the entire fourth quarter after the C’s built up another commanding lead.
