Pritchard’s Career-high Leads Celtics to victory over Hornets; Boston Sweeps Home Series
BOSTON (AP) — Payton Pritchard exploded for a career-high 34 points as the Boston Celtics completed a two-game sweep of the Charlotte Hornets with a 93-86 victory Sunday. The Celtics overcame a blown 21-point first-half lead in the regular-season finale featuring reserve-heavy lineups for both teams.
Celtics Rest Starters Ahead of Playoffs
With the NBA playoffs looming next weekend, the Celtics (61-21) opted to rest their key players. Sam Hauser contributed 15 points for Boston in the win.On the Hornets side (19-63), both Josh Okogie and jusuf Nurkic scored 14 points apiece as Charlotte suffered their seventh consecutive loss. Neither team fielded any of their regular starters.
Brown Sits Out with Knee Soreness
The Celtics had played all their starters accept Jaylen Brown in their 36 point win on Friday. Brown missed the final two games to rest his right knee, which has been bothering him for about a month.
Hornets’ Curry Finishes Season Strong From Deep
Charlotte’s Seth Curry, who did not play, concluded the season with a 45.6% shooting percentage from three-point range.On Friday, he surpassed Sacramento’s Zach lavine to become a contender for the league’s best three-point percentage by making his 82nd three-pointer.
Celtics Prioritize Rest Before Postseason Run
This marked the second time this week that the Celtics benched their top six players, a strategy they also employed in a 20-point loss to Orlando on Wednesday.
Season Stats and Playoff Outlook
The Hornets have struggled, losing 12 of their last 13 games and missing the playoffs since 2016. Meanwhile, the Celtics achieved their second consecutive 60-win season, a feat they last accomplished in 2007-08 and 2008-09, when they won a title and reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals respectively.
NBA Scores From Sunday
- Magic 105, Hawks 117
- Knicks 113, Nets 105
- Pacers 126, Cavaliers 118
- Wizards 119, Heat 118
- bulls 122, 76ers 102
- Pistons 133, Bucks 140 (OT)
How does resting starters perhaps impact the Celtics’ momentum heading into the playoffs?
Pritchard’s Career-high Leads Celtics to victory over Hornets; Boston Sweeps Home Series
BOSTON (AP) — Payton Pritchard exploded for a career-high 34 points as the Boston Celtics completed a two-game sweep of the charlotte Hornets with a 93-86 victory Sunday. The Celtics overcame a blown 21-point first-half lead in the regular-season finale featuring reserve-heavy lineups for both teams.
Celtics Rest Starters Ahead of Playoffs
With the NBA playoffs looming next weekend, the Celtics (61-21) opted to rest their key players. Sam Hauser contributed 15 points for boston in the win.On the Hornets side (19-63), both Josh Okogie and jusuf Nurkic scored 14 points apiece as Charlotte suffered their seventh consecutive loss. Neither team fielded any of their regular starters.
Brown Sits Out with Knee Soreness
The Celtics had played all their starters accept Jaylen Brown in their 36 point win on Friday.Brown missed the final two games to rest his right knee, which has been bothering him for about a month.
Hornets’ Curry Finishes Season Strong From Deep
Charlotte’s Seth curry, who did not play, concluded the season with a 45.6% shooting percentage from three-point range.On Friday, he surpassed Sacramento’s Zach lavine to become a contender for the league’s best three-point percentage by making his 82nd three-pointer.
Celtics Prioritize rest Before Postseason Run
This marked the second time this week that the Celtics benched their top six players, a strategy they also employed in a 20-point loss to Orlando on Wednesday.
season Stats and Playoff Outlook
The Hornets have struggled,losing 12 of their last 13 games and missing the playoffs as 2016. Meanwhile, the Celtics achieved their second consecutive 60-win season, a feat they last accomplished in 2007-08 and 2008-09, when they won a title and reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals respectively.
NBA Scores From Sunday
- Magic 105, Hawks 117
- Knicks 113, Nets 105
- Pacers 126, Cavaliers 118
- Wizards 119, Heat 118
- bulls 122, 76ers 102
- Pistons 133, Bucks 140 (OT)
Q&A: Celtics vs. Hornets and the Road to the Playoffs
Q: Why did the Celtics rest their starters against the Hornets?
A: With the playoffs starting next weekend, the Celtics, already holding a strong regular season record (61-21), prioritized rest for key players like Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis to ensure they’re fully healthy and rested.
Q: What does Payton Pritchard’s career-high performance mean for the Celtics?
A: Pritchard’s 34-point explosion showcases the depth of the Celtics’ roster. It highlights that even without their star players, the team can still perform well and that role players are ready to step up. This is crucial for a deep playoff run.
Q: How has Seth Curry’s season been for the Hornets?
A: Curry, despite not playing in this game, finished the season strong with an impressive 45.6% three-point shooting percentage. While the Hornets struggled, curry’s performance offers a bright spot and potential for the team to improve their offensive game.
Q: What’s the outlook for the Hornets?
A: The Hornets have struggled this season, missing the playoffs since 2016 and losing their last seven games. They will need to rebuild and re-evaluate their strategy in the off-season in hopes of changing their fortune.
Q: What’s the importance of the Celtics’ back-to-back 60-win seasons?
A: Achieving consecutive 60-win seasons sets a strong precedent for the Celtics.They last accomplished this feat in the late 2000s,which included a championship. This indicates they are a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming playoffs.
Q: Why is Jaylen Brown missing games?
A: Jaylen brown is resting his right knee due to soreness. It has been bothering him for about a month. The Celtics are prioritizing his health for the playoffs.
Q: What are the keys to a triumphant playoff run for the Celtics?
A: The Celtics will need their key players healthy and rested,strong contributions from their bench,and consistent defensive effort to go deep into the playoffs. Their regular season performance has set a good foundation.
As the Celtics head into the playoffs, their regular-season strategy of prioritizing health and rest will be put to the test. Keep an eye on their playoff journey; it’s sure to be exciting!
