In a dynamic first half of basketball, the Boston Celtics demonstrated a strong offensive performance against the Los Angeles Clippers. Jayson Tatum was a standout player, scoring 21 points, including 20 in the first half, and shooting 7-11 from the field, which included a highlight-worthy spin and slam dunk. The Celtics capitalized on their three-point shooting, hitting 15 out of 33 attempts from beyond the arc, which was 62% of Boston's shots, with 18% coming from the corner. This sharpshooting helped Boston secure a 47-34 lead with 6:51 left in the first half, eventually leading to a 68-51 advantage at halftime. On the defensive end, the Celtics employed a strategic approach with Al Horford guarding Terance Mann and Jayson Tatum taking on Ivica Zubac, leading to strategic switches on screens. Jaylen Brown picked up two fouls in the first 1:51, while Anthony Davis of the opposing team also encountered foul trouble with his second foul at the 5:19 mark of the first quarter. Despite the Clippers' efforts, including Paul George scoring 16 points, the Celtics maintained a comfortable lead, buoyed by their three-point shooting prowess.
62% of Boston's shots were 3's in that first half. 18% were from the corner. Expecting the Clippers to switch way more in the second half if they want a chance to get back in this game.
Jayson Tatum went OFF in the first half vs. the Clippers: 🍀 21 Points 🍀 7-11 FGs Boston leads Los Angeles 68-51 at halftime‼️ https://t.co/2XSbbottxm
At the half, the Clippers are down 68-51. PG has 16 points, Zu and Harden 10.
Celtics are having a 3-point party, burying 15 triples in the first half, as many as the Clippers have taken total. Boston led by as much as 21 before going into the half up 68-51.
The Celtics are 15/33 from deep in the first half. The Clippers have only attempted 15 three-pointers. Joe Mazzulla is gonna get this box score framed and hang it over his bed.
Jayson Tatum at the half 🔥 An absolute bucket. https://t.co/yLoe9Uk5Be
EPIC SHOT OF JT'S SLAM 📸 | (via @celtics) https://t.co/rzj2YxNVxh https://t.co/QJ5ZITybo3
JT steps back for 3 + the foul! 20 PTS in the 1H 🔥 WATCH ALL GAMES FREE TODAY WITH NBA ID: https://t.co/hA5sWWL6kr Celtics-Clippers | Live on the NBA App https://t.co/b1Y8lAOedL
Celtics are 11 of 25 from beyond the 3-pt range. Hauser buries his first to give Boston its biggest lead, 47-34 with 6:51 left in the first half.
Tatum with a sick spin and slam 🤢 https://t.co/e2sLlr2S1o
Hangs, absorbs the contact and finishes 💪 Tatum (10 PTS) is feeling it early in LA! WATCH ALL GAMES FREE TODAY WITH NBA ID: https://t.co/hA5sWWL6kr Celtics-Clippers | Live on the NBA App https://t.co/FkwAJijV60
Tatum with the spin and slam 🌪️ (via @NBA) https://t.co/Fric7zcg2Y
JAYSON TATUM, MY GOODNESS. Spin into 1-handed throwdown in traffic😲 WATCH ALL GAMES FREE TODAY WITH NBA ID: https://t.co/hA5sWWL6kr Celtics-Clippers | Live on the NBA App https://t.co/TzDLDufJCT
Jayson Tatum with the spin and the dunk 💪 Celtics (-4.5) lead it early https://t.co/MygvX1SlNn
JT for 3⃣! WATCH ALL GAMES FREE TODAY WITH NBA ID: https://t.co/hA5sWWL6kr Celtics-Clippers | Live on the NBA App https://t.co/FrMvwaHsVV
Celtics dipping into their bag of tricks defensively, interesting test for the Clippers. Tatum is guarding Zubac, Horford on Mann. All Zubac screens become switches. PG hits this three but keep an eye on this battle. https://t.co/K3KvkWTMau
Jaylen picks up two fouls in the first 1:51. #Celtics #Clippers
Anthony Davis just picked up his second foul at the 5:19 mark of the first quarter.