DeRozan's 25 points weren't enough to save the Celtics from a 120-106 victory over the Kings.

January 2nd - The Celtics defeated the Kings 120-106 . For the Celtics, Brown had 29 points , 10 rebounds , and 4 assists, while White added 16 points and 7 assists. For the Kings, DeRozan had 25 points , 5 rebounds , and 6 assists, and Schroder had 18 points, but it wasn't enough to prevent a loss.

In the first quarter, the Kings relied on DeRozan's mid-range shots and Schroder's drives to score, while the Celtics responded with consistent teamwork. At the end of the first quarter, the Kings held a slight 29-28 lead. In the second quarter, the Celtics' Simmons was on fire, hitting consecutive three-pointers and scoring 11 points in the quarter. Before halftime, the Celtics went on a run to take a 62-61 lead.

After switching sides, the Celtics capitalized on the opportunity to extend their lead to 8 points. However, the Kings quickly adjusted, with DeRozan combining inside and outside scoring to successfully close the gap and eventually take the lead. At the end of the third quarter, the score was tied at 88. In the final quarter, the Celtics, relying on Brown and White, quickly widened the gap to 14 points. White scored 14 points in the final quarter alone, including two crucial three-pointers, completely extinguishing the Kings' hopes of a comeback. Ultimately, the Celtics won 120-106 .

Celtics player statistics

Brown had 29 points , 10 rebounds , and 4 assists; Pritchard had 16 points , 3 rebounds , and 6 assists ; White had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists; Hauser had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist; Simmons had 14 points , 2 rebounds , and 4 assists ; Kelta had 13 points and 5 rebounds; Garza had 11 points , 2 rebounds , and 2 assists; Gonzalez had 3 points , 6 rebounds, and 1 assist .

Kings player stats

DeRozan 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists; Schroder 18 points , 3 rebounds , 7 assists; Ellis 16 points , 1 rebound , 1 assist; Achiuwa 14 points , 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Reno 12 points, 8 rebounds , 1 assist; Westbrook 10 points, 3 rebounds , 6 assists; Murray 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; Eubanks 4 points , 1 rebound .