The Celtics got back in the win column, beating the Kings 113-95 on Monday in Sacramento. They won their sixth straight game to get to 53-19 while the Kings dropped to 35-36.
But Celtics fans who missed the late-night game will keep a close eye on Jayson Tatum’s injury status going forward. The C’s star had to leave midway through the third quarter due to a left ankle injury. He didn’t return to the game as he was in clear pain immediately after turning that ankle.
Boston was at relatively solid health heading into the game as it returned Jaylen Brown to the lineup for the first time in more than a week. So the C’s started with Tatum, Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis, though they missed a pair of rotation players.
The Celtics got off to a slow start as the Kings built a nine-point lead. But they locked in starting in the second quarter. The C’s cruised in control in the second half, creating their own 22-point lead, as they didn’t let the Kings to mount a comeback.
Tatum finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and eight assists even though he had an early exit. Payton Pritchard finished with 22 points while Kristaps Porzingis also continues to make an impact as he had 16 points and eight rebounds. Domantas Sabonis had 16 points and 17 rebounds while DeMar DeRozan posted 20 points and 10 assists.
The Celtics continue their six-game road trip by taking on the Suns at 10 p.m. Wednesday in Phoenix coming up next. Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over Sacramento:
Injury status: The image of Tatum writhing on the ground grabbing at his left ankle was an immediate scary sight for Celtics fans. Tatum rose and hit the 3-pointer, but Sabonis entered his landing space on the contest. The foul was quickly upgraded to a flagrant foul as the league outlawed dangerous closeouts for a reason. Tatum walked gingerly and slowly after getting up off the court to head to the C’s bench. But after he shot his free throws, he immediately went to the locker room to get evaluated. Considering the playoffs are just a month away, the Celtics will be cautious with their All-Star and his ankle going forward.
Starter minutes: The Celtics got to open Monday’s game with their preferred starting lineup, though that’s been a mixed bag throughout the season. Boston got off to another slow start, though it dug out of the deficit quickly. Still, it’s been tough for the C’s to get continuity with their starting group. Considering Tatum just hurt his ankle, there are only so many games to continue building that chemistry. But on the flip side, making sure they’re fully healthy is the priority with the playoffs so close.
Rookie continues to shine: The Celtics were without Al Horford and Sam Hauser, so there were again rotation minutes available. Baylor Scheierman continues to produce when his number is called and that was again the case Monday. He had a nifty pass to Pritchard after a steal in the first half where he made the behind-the-back assist. Scheierman’s activity level is also noticeable whenever he’s on the court, looking like a different player compared to the beginning of the season. Those are all positive developments for the Celtics as he finished Monday with nine points and seven rebounds.
Midway through trip: The Celtics still have three more games left away from home, but they just keep picking up road victories. After Monday’s win, they’re now 29-7 on the road compared to 24-12 at home. That road win percentage, for now, is the best in franchise history. So while there have been some struggles at TD Garden, the Celtics look comfortable playing in front of road crowds. Though it also helps that C’s fans take over some road arenas.
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