Tatum scores 34, Celtics hold off Trail Blazers 126-112

PORTLAND, Ore (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 34 points and 12 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics withstood a late Portland rally for a 126-112 victory extra than the struggling Trail Blazers on Friday evening.

Jaylen Brown added 27 points for the Celtics, who have won four of their final five just following a three-game losing streak. Boston sits behind NBA-main Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference.

Damian Lillard completed with 41 points — such as 25 in the fourth quarter — for the Blazers, who have lost five straight. At 13th in the West, Portland hasn’t having said that been eliminated from the playoffs but time was operating out with just 12 games remaining.

Boston led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter. Lillard’s 3-pointer pulled Portland inside 109-96 and he hit but an additional 3 to close the gap to 111-103.

The teams exchanged completely totally free throws just ahead of Brown dunked and Al Horford hit a 3-pointer to location Boston up 118-105 with 1:33 left and all but seal the win.

Tatum (hip) and Marcus Intelligent (non-COVID illness) have been questionable just ahead of the game but every single started for the Celtics. Malcolm Brogdon sat out with appropriate Achilles tendon soreness.

Grant Williams’ 3-pointer location the Celtics up 42-30 in the second quarter. Boston led by as many as 16 in the half to go ahead 63-48 at the break. Tatum led all scorers with 19 points.

The Celtics extended the lead to as many as 19 points in the third quarter.

TIP INS

Celtics: With a steal in the opening quarter, Intelligent became the fourth Boston player to attain 900 profession steals. … It was fourth of a six-game road trip for the Celtics. … The Celtics won the initially of the two meetings with the Blazers 115-93 on March eight.

Trail Blazers: Starting forward Jerami Grant missed his second game with a left quad contusion. … The Blazers have been also devoid of Nassir Tiny mostly for the reason that of illness. … Portland announced earlier in the day that forward Justise Winslow underwent a bone marrow remedy on his left ankle. He has not played offered that spraining his ankle in December.

UP Subsequent

Celtics: Take a appear at the Utah Jazz on Saturday evening.

Trail Blazers: Host the Clippers on Sunday evening.

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