Recap: Graham, Rozier Lead Hornets to Rout of Hapless Celtics. 125-104
Creator: Adam Glanzman | Credit: Getty Images | Copyright: 2021 Adam Glanzman
Devonte’ Graham scored 24 points and dished out 9 assists as he led 6 players in double figures to help the Charlotte Hornets blast the Boston Celtics 125-104.
PJ Washington had 22 points and 12 rebounds, while former Celtic Terry Rozier scored 21 points and had 11 assists. Miles Bridges added 20 points, Cody Martin had 13 points and 10 boards, and another former Celtic Brad Wanamaker chipped in with 12 points.
The Celtics, who have now lost two straight, were paced in scoring by Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown with 20 points each. Jayson Tatum had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Marcus Smart added 17.
The Hornets hot out of the gate in the first period going 10-12, including 6 of 7 from behind the arc, to jump out to a 26-12 advantage. They ended the first quarter leading 33-23. They kept up the assault in the second period as a 30-29 second quarter gave them a 63-52 lead at halftime.
Charlotte’s ball movement was evident as they had 22 assists on 24 made field goals in the first half; they ended the game with 39 assists on 47 baskets. The Hornets were on fire from behind the arc, too. Washington shot four of six from three-point range, Graham went 6-11, Bridges hit 4-8, and Rozier made five of nine as the Hornets shot 48% from distance (21-43) and 50% from the floor overall (47-93).
The Celtics shot 38% from the field (34-88), 34% from three-point range (14-41), and managed just 18 assists on 34 made field goals. They were able to knock down 22-26 free throw attempts. Evan Fournier was scoreless once again in roughly 20 minutes of action. Boston is still playing without center Robert Williams III, who is suffering from a knee injury.
This was a rough loss for the Celtics, who fall even closer to the play-in tournament. Their next game will be on Tuesday when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:00 p.m. (EST) on NBC Sports Boston.
