Celtics Defeat Hornets: Tatum & Pritchard Lead Boston to 3rd Straight Win

Boston clinches playoff berth with dominant victory over Charlotte

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:22am

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The Boston Celtics secured their playoff berth with a dominant 114-99 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 32 points, whereas Payton Pritchard provided a significant spark off the bench with 28 points.

Why it matters

This win marks the Celtics' 50th of the season, solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. With Jaylen Brown sidelined due to injury, Pritchard has stepped up as a crucial contributor, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.

The details

The Celtics' defense played a significant role in their win, limiting the Hornets to just 5-of-21 from three-point range in the first half. Even when the Hornets narrowed the gap to nine points early in the fourth quarter, Tatum responded with a crucial three-pointer to extend the lead back to 16.

  • The Celtics secured their 50th win of the season on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Jaylen Brown has been sidelined due to Achilles tendinitis in recent games.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star player, who led the team with 32 points in the win.

Payton Pritchard

The Celtics' backup guard, who provided a significant spark off the bench with 28 points.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star player, who struggled from three-point range, shooting 7-for-27.

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' young forward, who also struggled from beyond the arc.

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' sharpshooter, who failed to find his rhythm from three-point range.

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What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their strong play and secure a high seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Hornets will aim to rebound from this loss and solidify their position in the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

The Celtics' depth and resilience were on full display in this win, as they were able to secure a playoff berth without one of their key players. Payton Pritchard's performance off the bench highlights the importance of having reliable role players ready to step up when needed.