The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 107-97, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday night.

The Celtics (26-25) moved over the .500 threshold with a strong win over the Pelicans (18-31) and they didn't waste time to grab the lead following a 27-15 score in the opening 12 minutes. Boston bolstered that advantage following a 25-19 score in the second quarter and were in full control of the matchup by the time the halftime arrived. New Orleans played the second half with a different attitude and shortened the gap following a 36-26 score in the third quarter, but they could not complete the comeback. Boston tightened things up and secured the win following a 29-27 score in the final 12 minutes of action. Boston ended winning the game comfortably.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were the best players for the Celtics once again and both surpassed the 30-point threshold. While Tatum led the way with 38 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Brown chipped in with 31 points, three dimes and two boards. No other Boston starter scored in double digits in this game, but that was not needed given the fact that the team dominated so much. Jason Richardson had 10 points off the bench, Marcus Smart dished out 12 dimes and Robert Williams grabbed 16 boards.

Surprisingly, rookie Jose Alvarado was the best player for the Pelicans and he ended with 19 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Willy Hernangomez had 14 points, and Josh Hart had a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds. Garrett Temple had 12 points.