Payton Pritchard scored 29 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 112-93 win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at TD Garden. Baylor Scheierman added 16 points as Boston rebounded from Wednesday’s home loss to Atlanta.
Neemias Queta finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds, and Derek White handed out nine assists. Pritchard and Scheierman combined to make 9 of 13 from three-point range, giving the Celtics early separation.
Boston opened strong, hitting its first five shots and building a 15-point lead after the opening quarter. By halftime, the Celtics led 72-46, fueled by Pritchard’s 22 points and eight assists through the first two quarters.
Sacramento struggled without Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and Russell Westbrook, while Malik Monk returned to the lineup. Zach LaVine led the Kings with 17 points, and Nique Clifford added 15, but the team could not close the gap.
Scheierman extended the lead in the second quarter with a layup and a three-pointer just before halftime. Boston’s advantage peaked at 31 points in the third quarter after coach Joe Mazzulla successfully challenged two calls.
The Kings shot just 32% from three-point range and 37% overall, failing to sustain a late rally. Boston maintained control in the third and fourth quarters, relying on perimeter shooting and strong interior defense.
The win improves Boston to 30-18, tied with the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings, while Sacramento falls to 12-38 and 3-22 on the road. The Celtics will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, and the Kings travel to Washington to face the Wizards.
