SAN ANTONIO — The Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum with 25 points and Jaylen Brown’s 24, cruised to their sixth consecutive win with a dominant 134-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. Derrick White contributed 17 points against his former team, and Kristaps Porzingis made a notable comeback with 14 points and nine rebounds after missing a game due to a calf injury.
Boston Coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s defensive efforts, highlighting their ability to protect the paint while effectively contesting shots, which facilitated their transition play. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama added 21 points and seven rebounds. However, the struggling Spurs, who have lost seven of their last eight, found themselves overwhelmed by Boston’s championship-caliber performance.
Gregg Popovich, the Spurs’ coach, acknowledged the Celtics’ championship aspirations and commended Mazzulla’s coaching. He noted the Celtics’ combination of talent, grit, and continual improvement, presenting a formidable challenge for his young Spurs squad. Wembanyama also recognized the Celtics’ evident improvement and competitiveness compared to previous years.
The game reflected the stark contrast between the Eastern Conference’s top team and the Western Conference’s bottom dwellers, with Boston leading by as much as 37 points and resting their starters for much of the fourth quarter. The Spurs, missing key players Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson due to injuries, couldn’t find their rhythm, evidenced by their heavy reliance on Wembanyama and Vassell for scoring.
Wembanyama’s performance was a highlight for the Spurs, showcasing his athleticism with a reverse slam and a one-handed dunk over White, who humorously admitted to avoiding a confrontation with the 7-foot-3 rookie.
Boston’s dominance extended to rebounds, limiting San Antonio to just one offensive rebound in the first half. The Celtics’ balanced scoring saw six players reaching double figures, in contrast to the Spurs, where only Branham, besides Wembanyama and Vassell, scored in double digits.
The Celtics closed out December with an impressive 12-2 record, further cementing their status as Eastern Conference frontrunners. Both teams are now looking ahead to their next matchups, with the Celtics facing Oklahoma City and the Spurs taking on Memphis on Tuesday.
