Boston Celtics Secure Dominant NBA Cup Victory Over Charlotte Hornets
Boston maintains perfect group stage record with a commanding 119-80 win in North Carolina.
1Commanding Group Stage Performance
The Boston Celtics achieved their second consecutive victory in the 2026/27 NBA Cup group stage by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 119-80 at the Spectrum Center. Under coach Joe Mazzulla, Boston established early dominance, securing a ten-point lead in the first period and extending it to 29 points by the third quarter.
2Tatum Leads Offensive Charge
Jayson Tatum delivered a dominant performance, finishing the game with 34 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. His offensive output was complemented by Derrick White, who contributed 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds. This duo effectively dismantled the Hornets' defensive structure throughout the duration of the one-sided contest.
3Hornets Struggle to Respond
Charlotte's offense failed to find consistency against Boston's defensive pressure. Naz Reid led the team with 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Tidjane Salaun added 13 points off the bench. Despite these efforts, the Hornets remained unable to bridge the significant scoring gap established by the visiting Celtics.
4Neemias Queta's Limited Impact
Neemias Queta, who recently recorded a season-best performance against the Houston Rockets, struggled during his 15 minutes on the court against Charlotte. The Portuguese international finished with four points, three rebounds, and one assist. This outing marked a notable decline in production for the center compared to his previous game.
5Group C Standings Dynamics
With this result, Boston Celtics hold the isolated lead in Group C of the Western Conference with two wins. The group standings currently place Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards behind them, while the Chicago Bulls and the winless Charlotte Hornets occupy the lower positions after their respective matches in the tournament.
6Roster Developments and Absences
The match provided increased playing time for Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, marking a significant milestone for their development within the Charlotte Hornets rotation. Conversely, the team faced challenges due to the absence of Dennis Schröder, who remained sidelined for this encounter due to an injury, impacting the team's backcourt depth.
7Historical Context of Queta
Neemias Queta’s journey to the NBA began in 2019 with the Utah State Aggies before being selected by the Sacramento Kings in the 2021 draft. After struggling to secure consistent playing time in Sacramento, he joined the Boston Celtics in 2023, where he continues to compete for a regular rotation spot.
8Upcoming Schedule and Outlook
Boston now shifts focus to the regular season, preparing for a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets will return to their home court to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both teams look to adjust their strategies as the intense NBA Cup group stage continues.