Celtics Defeat Hornets 113-102 Behind Brown's 35 Points

Celtics' star duo of Brown and Tatum power team to key late-season win in playoff race

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:50am

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A dynamic, colorful painting featuring the blurred, energetic movements of two basketball players, capturing the intensity and excitement of the Celtics-Hornets game.The Celtics' star duo of Brown and Tatum ignite the team's late-game surge, showcasing the explosive energy and scoring prowess that propelled Boston to a crucial victory.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 113-102 in a hard-fought game that saw Celtics star Jaylen Brown score 35 points to lead his team to victory. The win keeps the Celtics in the hunt for a top playoff seed, while the Hornets' loss is a setback in their quest to avoid the play-in tournament.

Why it matters

This game was a microcosm of the Celtics' playoff mindset - execute, endure, and edge closer to the seed they want. The Celtics' ability to make key adjustments in the fourth quarter and lock down defensively shows their readiness for the postseason grind, while the Hornets' performance highlights the challenges they face in securing a favorable playoff position.

The details

Jaylen Brown's 35-point outburst, combined with Jayson Tatum's 23 points, powered the Celtics to victory. After trailing by 11 at halftime, the Celtics regrouped in the third quarter to take the lead, then clamped down defensively in the fourth to hold the Hornets to just 15 points. The Hornets' LaMelo Ball scored 36 points in a losing effort, while rookie Brandon Miller added 20 points for Charlotte.

  • The Celtics trailed by 11 points at halftime.
  • The Celtics regained the lead in the third quarter.
  • The Celtics held the Hornets to just 15 points in the fourth quarter.

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star guard scored 35 points to lead his team to victory.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' other star player contributed 23 points in the win.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard scored 36 points in the losing effort.

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' rookie forward scored 20 points, providing a bright spot for Charlotte.

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What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their push for a top playoff seed, while the Hornets will try to rebound and secure a spot in the postseason, either through the regular season or the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Celtics' ability to make key adjustments and lock down defensively in crunch time, a trait that will serve them well in the playoffs. The Hornets' performance, led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, also suggests they have the talent to be a competitive team, but they still have work to do to solidify their playoff positioning.