Boston closes strongly after Charlotte cuts the gap
Jayson Tatum finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Boston Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets 114–93 at TD Garden on October 14. Payton Pritchard added 11 assists without a turnover in the preseason game, which was played on October 15 in Philippine time.
Boston established an early lead but needed a strong fourth quarter to turn the contest into a comfortable victory. The Celtics led 28–20 after one period and 54–44 at halftime. Charlotte won the third quarter 33–31, reducing the deficit to eight points, before Boston closed with a 29–16 final period.
Tatum made eight of 17 shots, including three three-pointers, in 29 minutes and 18 seconds. Derrick White supplied 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting and recorded four steals. Pritchard scored seven points, but his passing was the more significant part of his evening, helping Boston finish with 31 assists on 44 made field goals.
Mitchell Robinson scored 12 points without missing a shot, going 5-for-5 from the floor and 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. He added seven rebounds and three blocks. Neemias Queta contributed 16 points from the bench, and Luka Garza added 14, giving Boston substantial scoring beyond its perimeter starters.
Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaun each scored 16 for Charlotte. Miller needed 17 field-goal attempts to make four shots, while Salaun connected on four three-pointers. Royce O'Neale made all four of his attempts from long range for 12 points, matching Naz Reid's scoring total.
Charlotte actually made more three-pointers, finishing 16-for-42 compared with Boston's 11-for-39. The Celtics compensated with a 56–20 advantage in paint scoring and 16 steals. They also scored 27 points from turnovers, against Charlotte's 12. Boston's ability to create extra opportunities and finish inside ultimately mattered more than the Hornets' stronger shooting from beyond the arc.