Jayson Tatum poured a game high 25 points before injuring his left ankle, Payton Pritchard came from the bench to contribute 22 points and Boston Celtics ran away from the host Sacramento Kings for a victory 113-95 on Monday.
Tatum also had seven returns and eight assists in 26 minutes before he came down to the foot of Saboni after a 3-point attempt with 3:35 left in the third period.
Sabonis was struck with a flagrant foul for driving under a 3-point shooter. Tatum, after several minutes on the floor, could take the two free throw – to make one – before they were replaced. Celtics (53-19) led 79-68 at that time.
He did not return.
To prevent a three-game home from losing the line, Kings (35-36) hung without 10 to the end of the third quarter. But when Baylor Scheierman buried a 3-pointer and Derrick White dropped in a layout during the first 39 seconds of the last period, the lead was 15 and Celtics was coasted for a sixth straight victory.
Tatum and Pritchard joined five 3-pointers per piece, which helped Celtics go 19-for-50 (38 percent) beyond the arch and exceed the hosts 57-24 from the depth.
Tatum shot 8-for-15 overall and Pritchard 8-for-18 when Boston revenge an 114-97 shellacking at home by the kings in January.
Kristaps Porzingi’s band Luke Kornet for Team-High Rebound Awards with eight to go with 16 points for Boston, who won a third straight on the road to start a six-match trip. The barley finished with 13 points and White 12 to supplement eight assists and tie Tatum for the team high.
Demar Derozan and Sabonis set up double doubles for Kings, Derozan with a team high 20 points and game high 10 assists, Sabonis with 16 points and a game high 17 returns.
Zach Lavine and Keon Ellis added 14 points per piece and Keegan Murray 13 for Kings, who fell to 2-3 at a seven-game home tooth.
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