Payton Pritchard scores 21 points to lead Boston Celtics to 101-100 victory over Sacramento Kings

On Friday Payton Pritchard scored 21 points, including five three-pointers, and the Boston Celtics fought off a late rally to defeat the Sacramento Kings 101-100. Kristaps Porzingis scored 20 points and 11 rebounds. His second consecutive double-double helped the NBA's top club win its 12th straight game at home, one game after claiming home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. They have won 13 of their previous 15.

While for Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox scored 40 points, including a game-winning 26-footer with 27 seconds remaining. However, after Boston Celtics reserve Xavier Tillman restored Boston's lead, Fox missed a jumper, one of three possible game-winning attempts for the Kings in the last 7 seconds, as the Celtics prevailed.

During the first five minutes of the match, both teams were struggling as the Sacramento Kings opened the game 1 for 8 and the Boston Celtics 1 for 10.

The Kings cut a 16-point deficit in the first half to 54-50 at halftime, but the Celtics outscored them 30-22 in the third quarter to take a 12-point advantage into the fourth.

It’s good for our team chemistry - Kristaps Porzingis

“It’s good for our team chemistry — those kinds of moments. And seeing Joe all hyped up on the sidelines. It was pretty cool. A good win for us," said Porzingis.

Domantas Sabonis added 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings, who have lost four of their past six games in an attempt to avoid a position in the play-in tournament.  Fox's driving layup helped the Kings trim a 19-point fourth-quarter lead to 99-97.

White, who started 70 of Boston's 77 games this season, was out with a bruised lower back. Both will have their next game on Sunday as the Boston Celtics will take on the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings will take on the Portland Trail Blazers.