Boston, Mass – Jayson Tatum scored 37 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out five assists as the Boston Celtics(38-27) defeated the Memphis Grizzlies (43-21) 120-107. It was the first meeting between the two teams this season. With the win, the Celtics have won 11 of their past 13 games.
It was fitting that Tatum lead the Celtics to victory as Thursday was Tatum’s 24th birthday. Tatum was huge in the fourth quarter as he scored 21 of his 37 points in the final quarter.
The birthday boy was able to come away with the “w” and outduel fellow All-Star Ja Morant. Despite a slow start, Morant finished with 38 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. Morant provided “Ja-dropping” highlights as per usual but the win eluded him.
The Celtics were able to use suffocating defense to overwhelm the high-powered Grizzlies offense. They held the Grizzlies to just 42.4% from the field and 13 of 40 (32.5%) from deep. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said, “They dared us to shoot threes and we couldn’t buy a bucket.”
Neither squad got out to a great start in this one. Both teams struggled offensively in the first half. Memphis couldn’t buy a bucket, making just four of 21 shots from deep while Boston turned the ball over 11 times in the first half. The Celtics led by 2, 47-45, at the break.
Like in many games this season, the Celtics took control in the third quarter. They would open the quarter with a 10-2 run and never really look back. Their hot play would continue into the fourth, where they would extend their lead to as much as 18 points.
When asked about the adjustments for the big second half, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka jokingly said “You have the coach of the month in there.” Udoka was named the Eastern Conference coach of the month for February.
Veteran center Al Horford provided a huge spark for the Celtics. Horford turned the clock back as he scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. It was Hordford’s first 15 rebound game since October of 2019.
Marcus Smart finished with a double-double as he scored 18 points and dished out 12 assists.
Grizz Struggle on Road
The Grizzlies did not look sharp on Thursday in Boston. They shot poorly and even their star point guard Morant struggled in the first half.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Desmond Bane scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and made five shots from deep. To go along with Morant, they were the only Memphis players to finish with double-digit scoring figures. It’s tough to go to a place like TD Garden against a team like the Celtics and win without getting guys to step up.
The Grizzlies have gone from one of the hottest teams in the league to now being 2-3 in their last five games. They should be fine, especially with wing Dillon Brooks likely returning soon.
What’s Next?
The Grizzlies will host the Orlando Magic (15-48) on Saturday in Memphis.
Boston has a huge matchup at home on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets (32-31).
 defeated the Memphis Grizzlies (43-21) 120-107. It was the first meeting between the two teams this season. With the win, the Celtics have won 11 of their past 13 games.){kind=link}