That sequence pushed Boston’s lead to 100-84 with 7:32 remaining. Garza added a layup off Jordan Walsh’s pass and another long 3 before the midpoint of the quarter. A game Charlotte had repeatedly pulled back toward single digits was moving out of reach.
CelticsBlog’s independent account described Boston’s use of Robinson and Queta together and the bench combinations that finished the job. Pritchard’s 11 assists helped connect those groups. Boston had assists on 31 of its 44 field goals, spreading the offense beyond Tatum’s early scoring.
Tatum scored 11 points in the opening quarter, according to the Celtics’ team recap. Boston led 28-20 after one and 54-44 at halftime. Charlotte recovered in the third behind Brandon Miller, but the Celtics kept finding interior finishes and extra opportunities rather than relying on their own cold 3-point shooting.
Miller and Tidjane Salaun finished with 16 points apiece for Charlotte. Miller needed 17 field-goal attempts to get there; Salaun made four 3-pointers. Rookie Christian Anderson scored 10 points in his preseason debut after missing the previous two games with a sprained ankle, as Hornets team reporting detailed.
The turnover gap limits what Charlotte can take from a good shooting night. Making more 3s than the opponent does little if so many other possessions end without a shot. For Boston, the closing stretch offered a practical preseason positive: its reserves extended the lead through passing, pressure and Garza’s scoring, allowing the Celtics to finish without another return to their starters.
Sources
Official NBA/team game report and record · Independent game reporting · ESPN final game record, full box score and play-by-play · Hornets official game reporting · NBA official game statistics
