Celtics 119 - Hornets 80 (11/6/2026): Tatum Shines With 34 Points

The Boston Celtics cruised to a commanding win over the Charlotte Hornets with a score of 119-80 at the Spectrum Center. This victory places the Celtics at 6-2, solidifying their spot at number three in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Hornets now sit at 3-6 and hold the ninth spot in the conference.

In the first quarter, the Celtics came out strong, scoring 40 points against the Hornets' 20. The Hornets struggled to find their rhythm and trailed early. The Celtics maintained their momentum into the second quarter, adding another 30 points to their lead.

Dominant Performance by Boston

Boston's scoring efforts did not slow down after halftime. The Celtics added 26 points in the third quarter while holding Charlotte to just 18. This allowed them to extend their lead even further.

In the final quarter, both teams scored 23 points, but the damage was already done. The Celtics' balanced attack and strong defense left the Hornets with few opportunities to come back into the game.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with an outstanding performance, tallying 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. His impressive field goal percentage of 56.3% was key to Boston's offensive success.

Derrick White also contributed significantly with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Payton Pritchard added depth from the bench, scoring 12 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.

Struggles for the Hornets

For the Hornets, Naz Reid was the top performer with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Hornets struggled to keep up with the Celtics' fast-paced game.

Hannes Steinbach was a force on the boards with 11 rebounds, but Charlotte's overall shooting woes were evident. They shot just 29.3% from the field and 22.0% from beyond the arc.

Charlotte's lack of offensive efficiency was a stark contrast to Boston's precise shooting, particularly from three-point range, where the Celtics shot 54.5%. This disparity played a significant role in the game's outcome.

Looking Ahead

Up next, the Celtics will take on the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. This away game could be a test of their current form and ability to maintain their winning streak.

The Hornets will remain at home for their next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They will be eager to snap their current six-game losing streak.

As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their strengths and weaknesses. Boston will look to continue their strong offensive showings, while Charlotte will aim to improve their shooting efficiency.