CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jayson Tatum returned from a night off with 34 points, nine assists and eight rebounds Friday, November 6, as the Celtics beat the Hornets 119–80.
Boston established a 40–20 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 70–39 by halftime. Tatum scored 18 in the opening period, according to The Associated Press.
The Celtics made 24 of 44 three-point attempts, the Boston Herald reported, and Derrick White added 18 points. Boston improved to 7–2 overall and 2–0 in NBA Cup group play.
The 39-point margin also helps Boston in the Cup, where point differential can decide a group-stage tiebreaker. Charlotte dropped to 0–2 in Cup play and 3–7 overall.
The Celtics continue their road trip Sunday at Milwaukee.