NEW DELHI: The Boston Celtics aim to reach the coveted 50-win milestone as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers Monday, looking to bounce back after ending a brief two-game skid with a win over the Phoenix Suns.
After an impressive 11-game winning streak, the Celtics faced challenges with back-to-back losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets at the start of a demanding road trip.Star forward Jayson Tatum highlighted the team’s resilience in response to setbacks.
“We’re not perfect… It’s all about how you react,” Tatum remarked, acknowledging the competitive nature of the league.
Despite his stellar performance, Tatum remained critical of his play, pointing out areas for improvement while acknowledging the support of his teammates.
“I finally stopped turning the ball over…I’m grateful I had great teammates because I blew it,” Tatum humbly admitted.
With contributions from Jaylen Brown and solid bench play, the Celtics showed their depth and resilience. However, Boston faced the Suns without a key player Kristaps Porzingis due to a hamstring injury.
After winning six of their last eight meetings with Portland, the Celtics enter the match with confidence. This is the first meeting between the teams this season, with a rematch scheduled for April 7 in Boston.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers ended a tough losing streak at home with a thrilling overtime win over the Toronto Raptors. Deandre Ayton’s standout performance, coupled with Scoot Henderson’s return from injury, bolstered Portland’s resilience and depth.
Reflecting on the victory, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups praised Ayton’s impact, highlighting his dominance in the paint and his ability to take pressure off guards.
Portland’s recent success, fueled by the contributions of Dalano Banton and Anfernee Simons, highlights the team’s determination to compete at a high level despite injuries to key players like Jerami Grant.
With both teams striving for victory, Monday’s match promises an exciting battle between two competitive teams aiming to assert their dominance on the field.
(Contributions from Reuters)

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