Celtics Dominate Grizzlies with Season-Best Shooting Performance

The Boston Celtics delivered a remarkable performance on Wednesday night, achieving their season-best shooting to dominate the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 131 to 95. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Celtics, who improved their record to six wins and seven losses. According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics' success was fueled by the stellar play of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, all of whom scored 19 points or more in the same game for the first time this season. Pritchard led the charge with a game-high 24 points, shooting eight of 15 from the field and hitting five three-pointers, while White contributed 20 points, and Brown added 19, showcasing their offensive potential against a shorthanded Grizzlies team missing star guard Ja Morant and starting center Zach Edey.

The Celtics' shooting efficiency was on full display, making 21 three-pointers and shooting 41.2 percent from beyond the arc, as reported by 7News Boston. This marked a notable improvement, as before this game, the Celtics had struggled with their shooting, ranking 24th in the league in overall shooting percentage and 27th in three-point shooting percentage. Head coach Joe Mazzulla noted the importance of this performance, stating, "We made shots...you kind of saw the result of that. But we’ve got to keep that up every night."

From the outset, the Celtics controlled the game, establishing an early 12-point lead and finishing the first half with a commanding 67 to 46 advantage. The Boston Globe highlighted that they outrebounded the Grizzlies 58 to 41 and dominated the paint with a 34 to 12 edge in second-chance points, further emphasizing their control over the game. The Celtics' bench also played a crucial role, with Luka Garza contributing 14 points and Neemias Queta adding 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds. The Celtics excelled in playmaking, recording 34 assists, a new season high, underscoring their cohesive offensive execution.

Despite a brief rally from the Grizzlies, which saw them cut the deficit to five points midway through the second quarter, the Celtics quickly regained momentum with a 23 to 7 run to end the half, as noted by Boston.com. Memphis struggled offensively, shooting just 34 percent from the field, and could not keep pace with Boston's efficiency. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 18 points, but overall, the team could not find their rhythm without Morant's presence.

This victory not only highlights the Celtics' offensive capabilities but also serves as a momentum shift as they prepare for their next matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. As the Celtics look to build on this performance, the emphasis will be on maintaining their shooting efficiency and consistency as the season progresses. Mazzulla expressed the need for the team to continue executing well, stating, "We’ve just got to keep playing the right way."