Boston Celtics Get Back on Track With Rout of Portland Trail Blazers

• The Celtics got back on track with an easy win over the Trail Blazers
• Tatum and Horford helped Boston pull ahead in the second quarter
• The Blazers dropped to 12th in the Western Conference with the loss

The Boston Celtics finally snapped their three-game losing streak with an emphatic 115-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

All five starters scored in double-figures for the Celtics, who moved within two games of the Milwaukee Bucks for first place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston, scoring 30 points on 11 of 17 shooting from the field.

Boston starters impress in win

It was Tatum's 36th game this season with at least 30 points, per ESPN. He was lights out from beyond the arc, knocking down 6 of his 10 3-point attempts.

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Derrick White did a solid job in orchestrating the offense, scoring 21 points and dishing out seven assists. Al Horford stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart also contributed, chipping 11 and 10 points respectively.

Tatum and Horford spark run

The Celtics played without center, Robert Williams for the third consecutive game as he recovers from a left hamstring injury.

Fortunately for Boston, Tatum and Horford returned to the starting lineup after sitting out Monday’s overtime defeat against Cleveland.

They played a massive part in the Celtics’ 18-7 run in the second quarter, breaking the game open for Boston. They stretched that lead to 23 at the end of the third quarter, putting the outcome beyond doubt.

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Blazers lose ground in West

It was another disappointing loss for the Blazers, who dropped to 31-35 for the season. They are one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for ninth place in the Western Conference.

The problem for the Blazers this season has been their anemic displays on the road. They are 14-20 in away games this campaign.

The good news for the Blazers is that Jusuf Nurkic is back playing for them. He returned to the starting lineup after a 14-game absence due to a left calf strain. Nurkic finished with five points and six rebounds in 17 minutes of action.

Cavs hand Celtics tough loss

Sports Brief recently reported on the Celtics’ loss to the Cavaliers despite a chance to secure the win.

Grant Williams had an opportunity to take the lead but missed two free throws with 0.8 seconds left.

The Cavs took full advantage of Williams’ miscues, pulling off a narrow 118-114 victory in overtime.