Celtics Stunned by Kings, Vow to Bounce Back from Recent Struggles

The Boston Celtics returned to TD Garden on Friday night after a successful 3-1 Western Conference road trip but were dealt a surprising 114-97 loss by the surging Sacramento Kings.

Despite their opponent’s strong form, the Celtics refused to chalk up the defeat to a “trap game.” Instead, Boston’s stars pointed to the need for improvement and accountability as the team navigates a challenging stretch, losing seven of their last 15 games.

Kings Shine Behind Sabonis’ Career Night

Sacramento, revitalized under interim head coach Doug Christie, extended its winning streak to six games and returned to .500. Domantas Sabonis dominated the paint with a career-high 28 rebounds, leading the Kings to a commanding performance on the boards.

The Kings’ offense also thrived, with three players scoring 20 or more points, and they outscored the Celtics 38-21 in the fourth quarter.

“They’re one of the hottest teams in the league right now,” said Jayson Tatum, who finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. “But we’ve got to be better in all areas of the game.”

Celtics’ Struggles in the Second Half

Boston started strong, scoring 55 points in the first half, but their offense sputtered in the second, managing just 42 points. The fourth quarter proved costly, as the Celtics shot a dismal 14.3% from three-point range while the Kings hit 72.7% of their attempts.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the need for consistency on offense. “When you’re having an inefficient offense, it puts pressure on your defense,” he explained. “If you’re going to shoot 28 percent from three for the game, you’re going to have to do a bunch of other things really well.”

Players Embrace Accountability

Jaylen Brown, who led Boston with 28 points, pointed to the importance of self-reflection and learning from mistakes.

“Film doesn’t lie,” Brown said. “Accept it. Just be better. Accept criticism well. Are you willing to be coached and come out and put your best foot forward? … I believe in this team. I believe in these guys, and I think we’ll be alright.”

Kristaps Porzingis, who contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds, echoed Brown’s optimism. He highlighted the challenge of finding rhythm after injuries disrupted the team’s core lineup for much of the season.

“We’re gonna get past it,” Porzingis said. “I’m telling you, I’m confident we’ll bounce back. We’re just having not the prettiest moment right now as a team, and it’s completely normal. But believe me, we’ll figure it out.”

Looking Ahead

The Celtics have little time to dwell on the loss, as they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night before hitting the road again. With their full roster back in action, the team is determined to recapture their early-season form and prove they remain a top contender.

As Brown put it, “It’s part of the journey. It might not be as pretty as some would like, but I believe in us.”