The Boston Celtics obtained a hard-fought 114-108 victory over the Utah Jazz in a duel where Sam Hauser had a memorable performance. With an exhibition from the three-point line, the shooting guard scored nine three-pointers and signed the best game of his career with 33 units. His impact was decisive for Boston to achieve its fifth consecutive victory, despite the important losses in its roster.
A Recital From The Perimeter in The Third Quarter
The game started with both teams showing intensity, but it was in the third quarter when Hauser took complete control of the game. In those 12 minutes, he made seven of his nine three-pointers, propelling the Celtics to a 23-point lead. His accuracy from the perimeter proved unstoppable for the Utah defense, which could not find a way to stop his inspiration.
With this performance, Hauser became the fourth Celtics player in the 2024-25 season to hit nine three-pointers in a single game, joining Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. This marked a milestone in NBA history, as it is the first time four teammates have achieved this mark in the same campaign.
Despite the difference in the scoreboard, the Jazz reacted in the last quarter and put Boston in trouble. With just over three minutes left, they managed to even the score, but Hauser came up again at the decisive moment. His ninth three-pointer with 1:20 to play gave the Celtics the lead again, and they were able to handle the pressure to seal the victory.
A Victory That Demonstrates Boston's Depth
The Celtics faced the game with significant absences. Jayson Tatum was sidelined with knee discomfort, Kristaps Porzingis was unable to play due to illness and Al Horford was out with a foot injury. However, the team found in Hauser and Jaylen Brown the men who led the offense.
Brown finished with 26 points and was key in several moments of the game, while Jrue Holiday and Derrick White contributed on both ends of the court. Holiday, in particular, had a crucial moment down the stretch when he grabbed a key offensive rebound and converted a three-pointer that extended Boston's lead in the decisive minutes.
Coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted the team's ability to remain competitive without some of its stars. Squad depth has been one of the keys to the Celtics' success this season, and performances like Hauser's reinforce that notion.
Jazz Showed Character, But It Wasn't Enough
Utah had a difficult night, but showed their ability to fight in the last quarter. John Collins was the team's top scorer with 28 points, although his effectiveness was not the best, hitting only 12 of 30 field attempts. Collin Sexton added 16 units and was important in the comeback in the last period, where the Jazz scored 39 points to put Boston's victory in danger.
Despite the effort, inconsistency in the first three quarters ended up taking its toll. The defense was unable to contain Hauser when he got into rhythm, and when they did manage to tie the game, they failed to capitalize on the momentum to complete the comeback.
Utah's coach tried to adjust the strategy down the stretch, but Boston executed better in key moments. Hauser's three-pointer with just over a minute left and Holiday's basket sealed the fate of the Jazz, who now have six consecutive losses and still can't find answers.
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What's Next for Both Teams
Boston will have an acid test in their next game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference leader. It will be an important challenge to measure their level against one of the most solid teams of the season.
For their part, the Jazz will look to cut their losing streak when they face the Memphis Grizzlies. Utah needs to improve its consistency if it wants to climb out of the bottom of the table and avoid falling further in the standings.
The Celtics proved once again that they are a team with multiple offensive options and with the ability to compete even without their main players. Hauser's great performance reaffirms the depth of the roster and makes it clear that Boston remains a serious contender in the title race.
