< Jayson Tatum scores 29 points as the Boston Celtics roll past the Memphis Grizzlies 122107 in Florida.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Jayson Tatum scored 29 points and the Boston Celtics ran past Memphis 122-107 on Tuesday, putting the Grizzlies in further danger of missing the playoffs.
The Grizzlies missed another chance to guarantee themselves a spot in the Western Conference play-in series, and could fall out of eighth place if Portland beats Dallas later Tuesday.
Boston (48-23), which has already locked up the Eastern Conference's third seed, won its fourth straight.
Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker each added 19 points. The Celtics assisted on 29 of their 44 made baskets.
Walker said they are in a good place with the playoffs about a week away.
“I think we're pretty close to being ready, especially after tonight,” he said. “We've definitely come a long way. We're jelling really well. We're having fun. Competing at a very high level. I think we're feeling pretty good right now.”
Coach Brad Stevens agreed that the trajectory is good. “Hopefully we can just keep getting better," he said. "The way the ball has been moving has been good. The way guys are covering for one another. But we know that we've got less than a week before we open a playoff series. So all of it better be getting good.”
Memphis (33-39) lost for the sixth time in seven games since the restart. Ja Morant finished with 26 points and 13 assists. He also attempted a career-high 15 free throws. His previous high was 11. Jonas Valanciunas finished with 14 point and 10 rebounds.
The Grizzlies arrived in Florida with 3 [1/2]-game cushion over their nearest competitor for the eighth seed in the West. But their struggles have guaranteed the need for a play-in game for that final spot with Portland, San Antonio and Phoenix all still in contention.