The Boston Celtics, who are currently leading the NBA, achieved a remarkable and record-breaking victory by defeating the Warriors 140-88 on Sunday, extending their winning streak to 11 games.
The Boston Celtics achieved their third-largest victory in team history, dating back to 1946. Jaylen Brown scored 25 of his 29 points in a remarkable first half, setting a new record, while Jayson Tatum marked his 26th birthday with 22 of his 27 points in the first two quarters of dominance. This win made the Celtics the first team in NBA history to secure three victories in a single season by 50 or more points. Despite Kristaps Porzingis being out due to injury, the Celtics took a commanding 82-38 lead over the Warriors at halftime, their largest halftime lead ever and the biggest halftime deficit for the Warriors.
Boston made 10 three-pointers in the first quarter, their highest in any quarter that season, and closed the period with a 23-1 run to take control of the game. The Warriors struggled with their shooting, making only 34.9% of their shots in the first half, while the Celtics shot an impressive 60%. Boston extended their lead to 115-62 after three quarters and comfortably secured the win, improving their home record to 29-3 for the season. With this victory, the Eastern Conference leaders Boston Celtics improved their league-best record to 48-12, while the Golden State Warriors fell to 32-28, ranking ninth in the Western Conference.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (42-19) lost their top spot in the Western Conference standings when they were defeated 89-88 by the Los Angeles Clippers at home. Kawhi Leonard’s two free throws in the final 13 seconds secured the win for the Clippers, with Leonard scoring 32 points. On the other hand, Edwards was the top scorer for Minnesota with 27 points.
In Dallas, Luka Doncic of the Mavericks recorded a triple-double in a losing effort against the Philadelphia 76ers, who secured a 120-116 victory. Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 28 points, supported by Tyrese Maxey with 24 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. with 21 points off the bench. The Sixers, now 35-25, are still missing their injured star player Joel Embiid. Doncic, the Slovenian player, ended the game with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Kyrie Irving contributed 28 points for Dallas, who dropped to 34-27 and are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference.
In Cleveland, Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points and Josh Hart recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead New York to a 107-98 win over the Cavaliers. Jalen Brunson of New York suffered a knee injury early in the game, forcing him to leave the court, adding to the team’s existing injury problems that have sidelined three key forwards. Donovan Mitchell was absent for the Cavaliers due to a sore left knee.
In a game against the visiting Indiana team, French star Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to victory with an impressive performance, scoring 31 points, securing 12 rebounds, and contributing six assists and six blocked shots.
R.J. Barrett contributed 23 points, and Immanuel Quickley recorded 22 points and 11 assists to help Toronto defeat Charlotte 111-106 in their home game.
