Celtics Beat Hornets 113-102 to Claim Season Series

Jaylen Brown's 35 points lead Boston to victory over Charlotte

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:49am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the intense physicality and raw energy of an NBA basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into dynamic brushstrokes and splashes of paint.The Celtics' high-octane offense and stifling defense overwhelm the Hornets in a crucial late-season matchup between two Eastern Conference playoff contenders.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 113-102 on Tuesday night, led by Jaylen Brown's 35 points and 9 rebounds. The win gives the Celtics a 2-1 season series advantage over the Hornets, who could potentially be Boston's first-round playoff opponent.

Why it matters

The Celtics' victory moves them closer to securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, while the Hornets are still fighting to avoid the play-in tournament with two games remaining in the regular season.

The details

Jaylen Brown has now scored 26 or more points in 10 consecutive games, and Jayson Tatum added 23 points for the Celtics. The Hornets led by 11 in the first half, but the Celtics outscored them 35-26 in the third quarter to take a 90-87 lead into the fourth. Boston then limited the Hornets to just 15 points in the final period to build a 13-point advantage. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 36 points, while Brandon Miller scored 20 and Miles Bridges recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who scored 35 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the win.

Jayson Tatum

An All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who scored 23 points in the game.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who led his team with 36 points.

Brandon Miller

A key player for the Charlotte Hornets who scored 20 points in the loss.

Miles Bridges

The Hornets' forward who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

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The takeaway

The Celtics' victory over the Hornets demonstrates their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, as they continue to position themselves for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Hornets' loss keeps them in a precarious position as they fight to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a more favorable postseason seed.