The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 130-118, at Spectrum Center on Monday afternoon.

The Celtics (33-12) came into the contest as heavy favorites and wasted no time validating that standing, jumping out to a 35-22 lead through one. The Hornets (11-34) did manage to lop seven points from their deficit in the middle quarters and got as close within two points with 8:30 remaining, but Boston finished on a 27-17 run in the final 8:07 to seal the victory.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 51 points, adding nine rebounds and five assists. Derrick White furnished 19 points, eight assist and three boards. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Marcus Smart posted 10 points, six assists, four rebounds and one block.

Jalen McDaniels paced the Hornets with 26 points, complementing them with three rebounds, one assist and two steals. LaMelo Ball supplied 25 points, six assists and five boards. Mason Plumlee generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists. P.J. Washington totaled 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Terry Rozier compiled 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals.

The Celtics return home and face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Hornets hit the road and pay a visit to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.