Celtics brutalize injury-riddled Hornets 119-80 for 2nd NBA Cup win

The Boston Celtics dominated the Charlotte Hornets 119-80 to secure their second NBA Cup victory of the season. Jayson Tatum led the way with 34 points, including 24 in the first half, alongside nine assists and seven rebounds. The lopsided victory opened Boston's four-game road trip and improved their regular-season record to 7-2, while moving them to 2-0 in East Group C with a +53 scoring differential.

Derrick White contributed 18 first-half points for Boston, and Payton Pritchard added 12 points off the bench as the Celtics set an NBA Cup record with 24 made three-pointers. The injury-depleted Hornets shot just 29.3% from the field and lost Brandon Miller to a groin injury at halftime. Naz Reid led Charlotte with 14 points, while Sion James added 11 points in reserve.