BOSTON — When the Celtics play a national TV showcase game against one of the best teams in the NBA, it’s typically Jayson Tatum’s time to shine.
But even when the Celtics star isn’t playing at an MVP level, he knows he has the supporting cast to lift him up.
The Celtics didn’t have Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart continued to ride the bench with his injury and they were suddenly without Malcolm Brogdon moments before tip. But the C’s have a habit of thriving in these situations, without multiple key regulars and even when Tatum is having an off day. They showed it again with an impressive 119-109 victory over the Grizzlies on Sunday at TD Garden.
Derrick White, after a rough start, led the C’s with 23 points and 10 assists, Sam Hauser continued his recent hot streak by matching his career-high with six 3-pointers and they got key bench contributions from Payton Pritchard and Mike Muscala. Al Horford and Robert Williams helped them put a stamp on the victory. Altogether, it was more than enough to make up for Tatum, who went 3-for-16 shooting and finished with just 16 points.
The Celtics have now four consecutive games and have two games left before the All-Star break, including an important test Tuesday at Milwaukee against the second-place Bucks.
