The Boston Celtics are showing no signs of slowing down as the 2023-24 NBA season charges into its final stretch. With a strong hold on the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Boston continues to dominate both ends of the court, capitalizing on consistent performances from a tight, veteran-led rotation. Their most recent win over the New Orleans Pelicans, 104-92, was another example of their defensive edge and offensive efficiency.
Let’s break down what made this game tick, who stood out under the spotlight, and how it shifts the landscape for the playoff race.
Game / News Breakdown
The Celtics went into Smoothie King Center on Saturday night with intensity, taking control right from the tip-off. Boston built an early double-digit lead in the first half, leaning on crisp ball movement and suffocating defense. While the Pelicans made a few runs to cut into the lead during the third quarter, Boston adjusted quickly and never allowed momentum to fully shift.
The Celtics won the points-in-the-paint battle and forced 15 turnovers from New Orleans, turning those into fast-break opportunities. Jayson Tatum led in scoring, while Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown chipped in with timely baskets and perimeter defense.
New Orleans struggled with offensive rhythm, especially with Brandon Ingram sidelined again due to a bone bruise in his knee. Without his scoring, Zion Williamson carried a heavier load but didn’t get much help from the supporting cast.
Key Players & Performances
Several individual performances stood out, highlighting just how deep Boston’s roster is.
- Jayson Tatum: Tatum showcased his usual all-around game, finishing with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was the clear offensive anchor and hit multiple momentum-killing shots when the Pelicans looked to rally.
- Jaylen Brown: Brown contributed 17 points alongside solid perimeter defense. His ability to guard multiple positions was a major plus against New Orleans’ wing-heavy attack.
- Jrue Holiday: Going up against his former team, Holiday had a statement performance. He scored 15 points with 6 assists and 3 steals, setting the tone on defense.
- Zion Williamson: Zion put up 25 points and 7 rebounds for the Pelicans, doing his job in the paint, but he was limited late due to foul trouble and heavy minutes.
- Tre Murphy III: With Ingram out, Murphy started and contributed 14 points and 6 boards, but shot just 2-of-8 from three-point range.
While the Celtics didn’t need a superstar-level breakout, their balance and bench depth allowed them to control the game efficiently.
Team Impact & Standings
With the win, Boston improves to a league-best 60-16 record, already having clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. This gives head coach Joe Mazzulla flexibility to manage minutes in the coming weeks, especially with the playoffs around the corner.
Their defense remains a hallmark of their identity, ranking in the top five league-wide in both defensive rating and points allowed. It’s also the seventh straight win for the Celtics, solidifying their grip on home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans tilt slightly downward with this loss, dropping to 45-31. New Orleans remains in a tight race in the Western Conference, where seeds four through eight are separated by just a handful of games. Brandon Ingram’s health will be critical to their standing as it could mean the difference between a top-six seed or falling into the play-in.
What’s Next
Looking ahead:
- Boston Celtics: The Celtics return home to face the Charlotte Hornets next. With seeding locked up, expect possible rest days for Tatum, Holiday, and Al Horford.
- New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans now enter a pivotal three-game stretch against direct Western Conference playoff contenders, including the Suns and Kings. Ingram’s status will be closely monitored day-to-day.
Keeping momentum for both teams is crucial. For Boston, staying sharp while avoiding injuries is the main goal heading into the postseason. For New Orleans, every matchup is a must-win to avoid falling into a difficult play-in scenario.
Conclusion
The Celtics continue to look like one of the most complete teams in the NBA, and their victory over the Pelicans just reinforced that narrative. With balanced scoring, tenacious on-ball defense, and elite coaching, Boston is peaking at just the right time.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans face a challenging road ahead. They’ll need to get healthy—and fast—if they want to avoid a bumpy ride through the Western playoff picture.
Stay tuned—April basketball is only getting hotter.