NBA: Jayson Tatum stars as Boston Celtics strengthen grip on Eastern Conference lead, Oklahoma City Thunder beaten

The Boston Celtics improved their record in the Eastern Conference to 51-14 after a third successive victory, as they overcame the Utah Jazz 123-107.

Despite being without the absent trio of Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford, Jayson Tatum put up 38 points as the Celtics sealed their 51st win of the season.

Derrick White contributed 24 points, while four other Boston players finished the game with double-figure hauls in a dominant performance.

“The fact that the last couple of games everybody is stepping up – it’s just what we’re trying to build,” the Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game.

“A culture, an environment in the locker room where it doesn’t matter who’s in, everybody is ready to play at any time.”

As for the Western Conference, things are heating up after the Oklahoma City Thunder fell to a 121-111 defeat against the Indiana Pacers.

Defeat for the Thunder means they are now level with reigning champions and second place Denver Nuggets with a record of 45-20, jut ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves who have lost one more game.

Myles Turner was the driving force for the Pacers, scoring 24 points to disrupt the leaders’ three-game winning streak, while Tyrese Haliburton backed his compatriot with 18 points and nine assists as six Pacers’ players posted double-digit hauls.

“We got off to a great start and we were able to lock in. It was a team effort,” Turner said.

“It’s one of the loudest places to play [Oklamhoma’s Paycom Center]. It’s a hostile environment, a playoff-like atmosphere. But we enjoy that.

“Also, we’re a good team that scores a lot of points too. That’s mostly what this league has come to. The difference tonight was our defence. Whenever we lock in on that side, it’s a different game for us.”

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a double blow when they were beaten by the Timberwolves, as they lost Kawhi Leonard to a back injury.

Leonard left the arena at half-time, after reportedly struggling with from Thoracic spasms.

The Timberwolves kept in touch with the Thunder and Nuggets with a 118-100 win, extending their lead over the Clippers.

Elsewhere, the Sacramento Kings ended a 15-game losing streak against the Milwaukee Bucks after they rallied to a statement 129-94 win.

The victory ended an eight-year wait for the Kings to get the better of the Bucks, who lost ground on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

Despite defeat a heavy 106-79 defeat for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks, there was good news for Nick Nurse’s side who welcomed the return of Tyrese Maxey.

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