NBA: Dennis Schröder and Jayson Tatum turn up late

The Boston Celtics celebrated a comeback victory at the start of Martin Luther King Day. The Celts make up for a lifeless first half with a dominant display after the break – thanks largely to Dennis Schröder and Jayson Tatum.

Boston Celtics (23-22) – New Orleans Pelicans (16-28) 104:92 (BOXSCORE)

• With 18 points, the Celtics were behind in the first half, and the hosts didn’t do anything offensively at all. In the second half, however, Boston showed a completely different picture. A strong fourth quarter by Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schröder finally brought the Celts their fifth win in the past six games.
• The home side’s appearance in the first half could best be described as lifeless and uninspired. The Celtics offense weakened with turnovers, weak shooting and a quarter-spanning eleven-minute phase in which Boston scored a measly 6 points. New Orleans sat down to 18 points without shining themselves.
• Boston used a good phase just before half-time to get back within striking distance. Towards the end of the third quarter, the Celts turned the game around. A Schröder three gave Boston the first lead of the night, before Tatum took over early in the final period.
• He scored 11 points in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, with the help of good plays from Schröder as well a hammer by Aaron Nesmith Boston now had everything under control. A 22:7 start in the fourth quarter put the Celts at a distance, resulting in a 17-point lead. Further buckets from Schröder finally brought the decision.
• DS17 finished the game with 23 points and 9 assists at 9/16 from the field (3/5 trebles), 18 points in the second half and 11 in the fourth quarter. Only Tatum was even better, who played 21 of his game-high 27 points (9/18 FG) after the break. Jaylen Brown also had 23 points, while Jonas Valanciunas held up at the other end with 22 and 14 rebounds. Brandon Ingram cooled off after a good start (15 points, 6/19 FG and 10 boards), but seemed to have problems with his right hand in the meantime.
• Corona-Protocol: Marcus Smart (Celtics).