March 20, 2026, 11:03 p.m. ET
The Boston Celtics had a tougher matchup than expected, but they found a way to get the job done in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was one of the worst games for Jayson Tatum since he returned from his Achilles injury, going just 3-15 from the field as he finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Friday’s win was Boston’s fourth-consecutive win as they continue to pick up momentum towards the playoffs. With the Detroit Pistons being without Cade Cunningham for at least two weeks due to a collapsed lung, Boston has a chance to make a run for the No. 1 seed, although they are still four games back.
Here’s a quick recap of Boston’s win on Friday night:
Final score: Boston Celtics 117, Memphis Grizzlies 112Keys to the game:
Bench contributions: While Boston didn’t outscore the Grizzlies in bench scoring, both teams had major contributions from their reserves, and for the Celtics, their bench kept their heads above water. Getting a season-high 22 points out of Luka Garza and 19 from Payton Pritchard, the Celtics were able to lean on two of their top reserves while Tatum, Derrick White and Sam Hauser struggled from the floor.
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Paint dominance: Although known for their identity as a three-point shooting team, there’s been plenty of games this season where Boston controlled the paint to lead them to victory. Getting 52 points in the paint, while outrebounding Memphis 57-35, the Celtics had 7 players with at least 5 rebounds in the game.
Highlight of the game: Neemias Queta with the flashy assist to Jaylen BrownWhat’s next: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Sunday, March 22, 8:00PM ET on NBC/Peacock
Boston will look to continue their winning streak, taking on an undermanned Timberwolves team, who are likely to be without superstar Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves won the first of the two season matchups back in November, when the Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, on a night where Jaylen Brown scored 41 points and 7 assists. Minnesota is fighting for seeding in the very competitive and tight Western Conference, so this game will have big meaning to them as the playoffs draw near.
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