Jayson Tatum, short-handed Celtics handle Hornets

Boston extends winning streak to three games despite missing key players

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:10am

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Jayson Tatum scored 32 points, and the short-handed Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-99 on the road. The Celtics played without leading scorer Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, but Payton Pritchard added 28 points and Neemias Queta contributed 17 points and 8 rebounds. The Celtics shot 41.2% from 3-point range, while the Hornets struggled at 27.9% from deep. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 19 points.

Why it matters

The Celtics have been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and this win extends their winning streak to three games despite missing two key players. The Hornets, on the other hand, are fighting for a playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference, and this loss is a setback in their quest.

The details

The Celtics built a 12-0 run in the second quarter to take a 53-34 lead, and they led by as many as 20 points in the second half. The Hornets made a late push to get within 9 points, but the Celtics responded with an 11-4 run to put the game out of reach. Tatum, Pritchard, and Queta were the key contributors for the Celtics, while LaMelo Ball led the Hornets in scoring.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who scored 32 points in the game.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer who missed the game due to left Achilles tendinitis.

Derrick White

The Celtics player who tops the team in average assists, steals, and blocks, and also missed the game.

Payton Pritchard

A Celtics guard who scored 28 points and had 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Neemias Queta

A Celtics player who contributed 17 points and 8 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game without Jaylen and Derrick, but the guys stepped up and played great basketball.”

— Ime Udoka, Celtics Head Coach

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their winning streak when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, April 1st. The Hornets will try to bounce back when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The takeaway

The Celtics proved their depth and resilience by winning convincingly on the road without two of their key players. This victory keeps them in the hunt for a top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, while the Hornets missed an opportunity to gain ground in the crowded playoff race.