The Celtics spoiled Kristaps Porzingis’ debut with the Warriors

Thanks to a strong second quarter and Jaylen Brown’s triple-double, the Celtics won 121-110 at home. Warriors. But they were a little shaky in the 4th quarter…

The Warriors start the game without Steph Curry, Seth Curry or Jimmy Butler, but with a starting five of Pat Spencer, De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Guy Santos and Draymond Green. The Celtics’ former inside pairing of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford sits on the bench, while Boston has its usual five: White, Brown, Hauser, Scheierman and Keta.

The beginning of the game is rhythmic and offensive on both sides. The Warriors are quick on threes, but Jaylen Brown imposes his aggression toward the rim and young bench guys like Walsh and Harper Jr. bring energy. After a contested first quarter, the Celtics lead 36-32.

In the second quarter, Boston changed the pace and clearly took control. A 13-2 run, especially orchestrated by Peyton Pritchard, allowed them to break even. The Celtics’ defense tightens up and Golden State experiences a long offensive slump: two points in seven minutes. Sam Houser and Pritchard connect on game-winning shots, and the gap widens quickly. At halftime, Boston had a comfortable 23-point lead (74-51).

Warriors do not surrender

Returning from the locker room, the Celtics continue their momentum. The outside address remains there and the lead exceeds 30 points. Jaylen Brown, very engaged, confirms the triple-double even before the end of the third quarter. Despite some long shots by Moses Moody, Boston was largely in control and led 102-73 early in the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Joe Macula changes his team. Thanks to an all-court press, Golden State took advantage of the layoff to cut the deficit back to within fifteen points, briefly putting Boston in doubt. But Pritchard responds with two complicated 3-point shots, and Brown seals the win with a nice layup. The Celtics finally won 121-110 and reclaimed second place in the Eastern Conference.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Jailen Brown scored a triple. For Jaylen Brown, who has 23 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists, this is already the third triple-double of the season! He is the first Celtic to record three triple-doubles in a season since Rajon Rondo in 2015.

Porzingis’ beginnings. Coming off the bench, Kristaps Porzingis gave a glimpse of what he can bring to the Warriors. Clearly rusty, the Latvian has been slow to make defensive moves, but his reading of the game on offense and his ability to alternate between the racket and the 3-point line offer new solutions for Steve Kerr. In the end, 12 points in 17 minutes.

Draymond Green transparent. Orphan of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green delivered one of his worst outings of the season going 0-for-0 on 7 shots in 19 minutes. Proof that he wasn’t really in the mood, he didn’t make the slightest mistake and the match ended with the worst +/- of the match: -28.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.