The Boston Celtics edged out the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling 120-119 victory at TD Garden. A key factor in their success was a series of strategic lineup changes that provided fresh energy and defensive adjustments throughout the game. Despite trailing for large portions of the matchup, Boston’s revamped rotation helped them stay competitive.
Jayson Tatum once again proved to be the Celtics’ cornerstone, delivering a stellar 38-point, 11-rebound performance. His clutch plays in the fourth quarter were instrumental in securing the win. Kristaps Porzingis also contributed significantly, recording his third consecutive double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Pelicans, led by Trey Murphy III (30 points) and Dejounte Murray (26 points), showcased one of their best three-point shooting nights of the season. They took advantage of Boston’s early struggles but couldn’t maintain their defensive composure against the Celtics’ late-game adjustments.
One of the most notable strategic moves by Boston was their increased emphasis on attacking the rim, leading to a higher volume of shots in the paint. This adjustment, coupled with improved rebounding efforts, helped offset the Pelicans’ perimeter shooting and kept the Celtics within striking distance throughout the game.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc, the Celtics relied on their defensive switches and rotations to limit key Pelicans players down the stretch. Their ability to tighten up defensively in the final minutes ultimately proved decisive, allowing them to escape with a narrow win.
This victory propels the Celtics to a 28-11 record, keeping them firmly in second place in the Eastern Conference. As the team continues to experiment with lineup changes, their adaptability will be crucial in maintaining momentum heading into the second half of the season.
