The Boston Celtics — and truth be told, everyone — did not look like they were ready to play competitive basketball after news broke of the passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
But the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson would capitalize on another slow start for Boston and come away with the 123-108 win on a day it was hard to be excited about basketball nonetheless.
All-Star hopeful Jayson Tatum, a close friend and mentee of Bryant, missed the game to a strained groin officially, but likely needed the night off regardless due to the loss.
The Pelicans were led by veteran point guard Jrue Holiday with 25 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds, and Zion Williamson had 21 points and 11 boards as the Pels landed their first win of the Zion era, unfortunately under somber circumstances.
Center Derrick Favors added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and forward Brandon Ingram added 16 points as well.
The Celtics had yet another nuclear performance from All-NBA point guard Kemba Walker with 35 points and 5 rebounds, but this time it wasn’t enough for the win.
Boston also had solid outings from forward Gordon Hayward (23 points and 6 rebounds), shooting guard Jaylen Brown (20 points on 8-of-16 shooting) and center Daniel Theis (15 points, 9 boards and 2 blocks).
The Boston Celtics next face the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday, January 28th at 7:30pm ET.
