Celtics’ Hauser Sets Franchise Record in Comeback Win Over Jazz

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics outlasted the Utah Jazz for a 114-108 victory on March 10, 2025, highlighted by a remarkable performance from Sam Hauser. As the team adapted to Jayson Tatum‘s absence due to knee management, Hauser stepped into the spotlight, scoring a career-high 33 points, including nine 3-pointers, in front of a crowd of 19,156 at TD Garden.

Hauser’s shooting display not only cemented his status as a key player for the Celtics, but also marked an unprecedented achievement in NBA history. He became the fourth Celtics player this season to hit nine 3-pointers in a game, joining Tatum, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White. This achievement is a testament to the Celtics’ powerful offense, which leads the league in 3-point attempts, averaging 47.5 shots per game.

“No idea, no idea, but that’s cool,” Hauser said when asked if he was aware of setting a record during the game. “Running in transition and trying to find a window, these guys were looking for me. I was just trying to make that decision pay off.”

Hauser had a particularly explosive third quarter, scoring 23 points and sinking seven 3-pointers — both franchise records for the quarter. However, the win was hard-fought as the Jazz staged an impressive comeback, narrowing a once comfortable 24-point lead.

John Collins led the Jazz with 28 points, while rookie Brice Sensabaugh added 22 points, including 17 in the final quarter. The Jazz managed to tie the game at 103 with just over three minutes left, leading to a tense finish.

Despite the late rally by the Jazz, the Celtics regrouped, executing an 11-0 scoring run that sealed their fifth consecutive win and solidified their second-place standing in the Eastern Conference.

“We didn’t go out of our way to find Sam,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla remarked. “He has this innate ability to find the ball, creating great scoring opportunities when it counts most. There’s no bad shot when he’s hot.”

Besides Hauser, Jaylen Brown significantly contributed to the Celtics’ success, scoring 26 points, with eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Derrick White added 18 points and 10 assists, showcasing the team’s depth.

The Celtics’ ability to perform even without key players like Tatum, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis demonstrates their overall strength as they prepare for the playoffs. Porzingis missed the game due to a non-COVID illness, which the team noted as impactful as the season progresses.

In the wake of their loss, the Jazz now sit on a six-game losing streak, challenged by their current standing at the bottom of the Western Conference. The team is looking toward the future, focusing on developing their young prospects like Sensabaugh.

With the regular season closing in and only 17 games left, the Jazz are currently trailing the Charlotte Hornets for a better position in the lottery standings. Every game now holds significant importance as the playoffs approach.

The Celtics will face the Oklahoma City Thunder for their next matchup on March 12, 2025, in what some analysts predict could be a preview of the NBA Finals, showcasing two of the league’s top teams.