The Boston Celtics secured their sixth consecutive victory by defeating the San Antonio Spurs

Jayson Tatum led the way with 25 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 24, guiding the top-ranked Boston Celtics to a commanding 134-101 victory over San Antonio on Sunday. This win marked their sixth consecutive success. Kristaps Porzingis also played a key role for Boston, adding 14 points and leading the game in rebounds with nine. The Celtics’ performance was further bolstered by Derrick White, a former Spurs player who scored 17 points and was cheered by Texas fans. White expressed gratitude for his time with the Spurs and the fans’ support.

Boston pulled ahead decisively in the third quarter, outscoring the Spurs 40-23, with White emphasizing the importance of starting strong after halftime. Tatum was efficient from the field, making 10 of 17 shots, including 5 three-pointers, while Brown was 9-of-13 shooting, including a perfect two-for-two from beyond the arc.

For the Spurs, 19-year-old French rookie center Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, impressed with 21 points and seven rebounds, despite the team dropping to a 5-27 record.

In another game, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scored 26 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 129-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, avenging a previous In-Season Tournament semi-final loss. Ingram added eight assists, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, while Williamson contributed six assists and four rebounds. The Pelicans’ balanced attack saw all five starters score in double digits.

LeBron James, celebrating his 39th birthday a day earlier, scored 34 points for the Lakers, with Anthony Davis adding 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers, however, couldn’t replicate their earlier IST success against the Pelicans.

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their win streak to four games with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring a game-high 24 points in a 124-108 win over Brooklyn. The Canadian guard led five Thunder starters in double figures, helping the team close in on Western Conference leader Minnesota.

The Phoenix Suns overcame the Orlando Magic 112-107, with Kevin Durant scoring 31 points. Bradley Beal added 25, and Devin Booker had 21. Despite a Magic rally led by Paolo Banchero’s 28 points, Phoenix held on for the win, with Beal emphasizing the need for aggressive play and defensive improvement.

Trae Young’s 40 points and 13 assists powered the Atlanta Hawks to a 130-126 win over Washington, despite 38 points from the Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma. Dejounte Murray added 32 for the Hawks.

Finally, Domantas Sabonis achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Malik Monk scored a game-high 27 points off the bench, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 123-92 triumph over Memphis.