NBA Summary: Jaylen Brown Shines as Celtics Dominate Pacers
Jaylen Brown delivered a stellar 44-point performance as the Boston Celtics ended their two-game losing streak with a commanding 142-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Brown set the tone early, scoring 15 points in the first quarter as the Celtics surged ahead with a 39-22 lead.
The 28-year-old hit six of Boston’s 23 three-pointers, grabbed four steals, and thrilled the TD Garden crowd with powerful dunks. This was Brown’s highest-scoring game since he recorded 50 points in January 2022.
“He was outstanding,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “His energy and physicality impacted the game and the arena.”
Jayson Tatum contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Payton Pritchard added 18 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists off the bench. Despite missing Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics posted their highest points total of the season.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 19 points, and Bennedict Mathurin added 18 for the Pacers, who were without Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard.
The Celtics avoided their first three-game losing streak of the season and remain close to Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland.
Cavaliers Stay on Top
The Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their league-best record of 27-4 with a 149-135 win over the Denver Nuggets. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 33 points as six players scored in double figures. Cleveland’s 23 three-pointers and strong teamwork overcame Nikola Jokic’s triple-double of 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Timberwolves Edge Rockets
In Houston, Anthony Edwards hit a decisive step-back three-pointer with 23.2 seconds left to secure a 113-112 win for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a late surge from the Rockets, Fred VanVleet missed a potential game-winner in the final seconds.
Edwards finished with 24 points, while Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 38 points and 12 rebounds.
Knicks Extend Winning Streak
The New York Knicks claimed their sixth straight victory with a 108-85 win over the Orlando Magic. Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and Josh Hart added 23 points and 13 rebounds.
The Magic, missing key players Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, were led by Jalen Suggs with 27 points.
Spurs Beat Nets
Victor Wembanyama scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Brooklyn Nets 96-87. A strong third quarter, where the Spurs outscored the Nets 33-21, proved decisive.
The Spurs overcame a poor shooting first half to secure the win, with Wembanyama hitting three three-pointers in the third quarter.
These results showcase the thrilling action and standout performances across the NBA.
