Celtics Extend Winning Streak to Five Games Against Trail Blazers

Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a 129-116 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 30 points along with nine assists and nine rebounds. The win marks the Celtics' fifth consecutive victory, improving their record to 52-19 and keeping them in second place in the Eastern Conference, five games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sam Hauser shone with 24 points, hitting 8 of 10 three-pointers, while Derrick White contributed 17 points and eight assists despite the team missing key players Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Trail Blazers, now at 32-40, were led by Shaedon Sharpe with 23 points and remain on the fringes of the play-in race. The Celtics managed to build a significant lead with a 21-8 run to close the first half and maintained control throughout, despite a brief rally from Portland. Additionally, the Blazers are facing challenges with center Robert Williams III undergoing knee surgery, adding to their injury woes.