Despite being without Jaylen Brown, who continues to recover from a knee injury, the Celtics cruised to victory behind Al Horford’s 26-point performance off the bench. Jayson Tatum also delivered a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis (19), Jrue Holiday (18), and Derrick White (14) all finished the night in double figures.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum dribbles Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Celtics are well-positioned for another championship push, currently sitting as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference with the third-best record in the NBA. After the game, Tatum sent a strong message about the team’s mindset heading into the playoffs. When asked about their approach, the six-time All-Star kept it succinct.
“It’s almost time for war,” Tatum said, putting the rest of the NBA on notice.
Additionally, Boston’s win over Memphis marked its sixth straight road victory. With a 32-7 road record, the Celtics are closing in on the best single-season road record in NBA history, currently held by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (34-7).
Boston will have the chance to tie that record when they face the New York Knicks (April 8) and Orlando Magic (April 9) in back-to-back road games. In the meantime, the team will return to TD Garden for a three-game home stretch, beginning with a game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday.