For a little while, it looked like “Scary” Terry was the least of the Boston Celtics’ problems.
Second-year guard Devonte’ Graham nearly stole the show on the eve of Terry Rozier’s return to TD Garden, knocking down five three pointers and scoring 17 points in the first quarter, threatening to run away with the game early.
But the Celtics would adjust in the second frame, limiting Graham to just seven points over the next two quarters, Boston riding a career night from swingman Jayson Tatum to victory.
Scoring a career-best 39 points and 12 boards, including 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, the Duke product blew a close game wide open with his offensive eruption in the final frame.
Rozier, for his part, had a solid homecoming, greeted with cheers and a few boos ahead of the game, and logging a respectable-if-inefficient 14 points and 4 assists over 38 minutes on 6-of-17 shooting.
Graham would provide the bulk of the Hornets’ scoring with 23 points and 10 dishes while veteran center Bismack Biyombo added 18 points for good measure. Forward Miles Bridges chipped in 15 points and 6 boards as well.
Former Charlotte floor general Kemba Walker put up 23 points on his former team, wing Jaylen Brown added 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, and rookie forward Grant Williams logged 12 points as well for the Celtics.
The adored Boston two way center Tacko Fall was called for often and early yet again, checking in late in the final frame after Tatum’s fourth-quarter onslaught made it safe for the still-green big man to check in.
Checking in to the usual chants of “We want Tacko” with a smattering of “M.V.P.”, the UCF product managed 4 points, 2 boards and a block in just four minutes of playing time.
The Boston Celtics next face an injury-riddled Toronto Raptors in Canada on Christmas Day at noon ET.
