Celtics Begin Crucial West Coast Road Trip with Blowout Win

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics kicked off their longest road trip of the 2024-25 NBA season with a commanding victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, a crucial moment for the defending champions as they face a mix of opponents from the Western Conference.

The Celtics, who are positioned to continue their playoff momentum, defeated the Jazz 129-107, marking a strong start to their six-game journey that also includes matchups against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Memphis Grizzlies.

With Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis leading the way, the Celtics managed to cement their gameplay despite Jaylen Brown‘s absence due to injury. Tatum finished the game with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Porzingis significantly contributed with an impressive performance of 28 points and 10 rebounds.

The Celtics’ performance against the Jazz showcased their ability to dominate the boards, with a rebounding advantage of 48-38, including 16 offensive rebounds that contributed to a decisive 33-10 lead in second-chance points. Tatum emphasized the importance of maintaining strong defense and offensive momentum, stating, “Winning is contagious. We just need to keep feeding off each other’s energy and keep pushing for more.”

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence in his team’s preparation for this challenging stretch, emphasizing the need to balance competitiveness with health as the playoffs approach. “It’s essential that we play well while keeping our main guys healthy. We want to secure our spot without losing sight of the bigger picture,” Mazzulla said.

Though the Jazz have been on a losing streak while aiming for a higher draft position—ultimately finishing this game with just two third-quarter assists—the Celtics took advantage of the matchup, handling their business effectively. “Games against tanking teams can be tricky, so I’m proud of how we controlled the game,” added Porzingis.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will face the Portland Trail Blazers next, who are also in dire need of wins to secure a spot in the playoff picture. The remaining games on this road trip will challenge their ability to manage fatigue and sustain performance while navigating a mix of competition with varying playoff ambitions.

With less than three weeks until the playoffs, the Celtics are not only looking to stack wins but also to refine their game strategy as they aim for another deep run. The road trip is pivotal as they seek to maintain momentum and chemistry, particularly with Tatum and Porzingis leading the charge as key offensive weapons.