SALT LAKE CITY -- The Boston Celtics dominated the Utah Jazz 121-99 at Delta Center on March 21, 2025, further solidifying their place as a top contender in the NBA. With this victory, the Celtics improved their record to 51-19 while the struggling Jazz fell to 16-55. Despite being without Jaylen Brown, who missed the game due to a knee injury, Boston showcased a powerful offensive performance, particularly in the first quarter.
The Celtics started the game strong, scoring 35 points in the opening quarter and establishing an early lead. Jayson Tatum, who returned to the lineup after missing a previous game, led the charge with 14 points in the first quarter alone. His efforts, complemented by Kristaps Porzingis's scoring, set the tone for the rest of the match. Porzingis finished the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, making a significant impact on both ends of the court.
Utah began the game with a brief 5-0 run before the Celtics quickly responded, showcasing great teamwork and depth in their roster. The Jazz struggled early on, falling behind by 17 points by the end of the first quarter. Boston continued to capitalize on Utah's errors, scoring 26 points off the Jazz's 17 turnovers, which played a crucial role in their win.
While the Celtics held control during much of the game, the Jazz had their moments, particularly in the third quarter. Collin Sexton shined for Utah, leading the way with an impressive 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting. His performance included several key three-pointers that helped Utah reduce the deficit at one point to single digits. Keyonte George also contributed 19 points and 7 assists, providing strong support.
The Celtics' defense was tested as the Jazz mounted a brief rally, cutting the lead down to 71-69. However, Boston responded swiftly. Tatum hit a three-pointer, sparking a decisive 13-0 run, which put the Celtics firmly back in control at 84-69 by the end of the third quarter.
In total, Boston made 17 three-pointers, with strong performances from Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, who each made four from beyond the arc. This display from downtown was critical in extending their lead and keeping the Jazz at bay.
As the game progressed towards its conclusion, Boston maintained their offensive momentum, eventually winning the game comfortably. The Celtics showcased their depth, with Tatum and Porzingis leading the way while other players contributed significantly. The victory marked Boston's fourth consecutive win and their ninth victory in the last ten games, highlighting their strong form as the playoff picture begins to take shape.
For the Jazz, this loss continued a rough stretch, marking their seventh defeat in their last eight attempts. The team finds themselves in need of major adjustments as they aim to regain their footing in the league. Utah will hope to turn things around as they prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers next.
Next up, the Celtics will travel to Portland, looking to extend their winning streak. Given their current trajectory, they appear poised for another strong performance.
