The Boston Celtics leaned on Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard to keep their winning streak alive, but the way they did it will make fans smile… Yankee Scores reports.
Tatum and Pritchard Shine
Jayson Tatum poured in 32 points, shooting 12 of 23 from the field and 5 of 10 from deep, while adding eight assists. Payton Pritchard was equally impressive, scoring 28 points on 10 of 18 shooting and a perfect 6 of 6 from the line.
Together, they powered Boston to a 114-99 victory over the Hornets on Sunday night, marking the team’s third straight win. With Jaylen Brown sidelined due to Achilles tendinitis, Pritchard has stepped up in a big way, averaging 25.1 points across Brown’s missed games.
Jayson Tatum since returning from torn Achilles:
20.9 PPG
9.1 RPG
4.2 APG
1.1 SPG
31.0 MPG
Season-high 32 PTS in win vs. Hornets.
Celtics are 9-2 when he plays.pic.twitter.com/tJ5EFvOBBX
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) March 30, 2026
Hornets Struggle From Deep
Charlotte entered the night leading the NBA in made threes, but their shooting deserted them. The Hornets finished just 12 of 43 from beyond the arc, with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel combining for a rough 7 of 27. Ball led Charlotte with 19 points, while Miles Bridges added 14.
Celtics Control the Game
Boston raced to a 19-point lead in the first half, holding Charlotte to 5 of 21 from three. The Hornets cut the margin to nine early in the fourth, but Tatum answered with a dagger three over Bridges, pointing to the crowd as the lead ballooned again. Pritchard’s late layup sealed the deal, forcing Hornets coach Charles Lee to empty his bench.
What’s Next
The Celtics, now winners of three straight, head to Atlanta on Monday. The Hornets, who closed their seven-game homestand with back-to-back losses after winning the first five, will travel to Brooklyn on Tuesday.
