LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Boston Celtics rolled to a ninth straight National Basketball Association victory while Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic notched another milestone with his 50th career triple-double on Friday.
The Celtics improved their league-leading record to 13-3, their latest long-range barrage burying the Pelicans 117-109 in New Orleans.
Each of Boston’s five starters scored in double figures and each drained at least two of the Celtics’ 20 three-pointers — Derrick White connecting on six.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. White added 26 points and star forward Jayson Tatum scored 19 for the Celtics, with Al Horford adding 18 and Grant Williams 12.
New Orleans cut a 13-point deficit to six midway through the fourth quarter. But despite 17 turnovers, including nine in the third quarter, the Celtics were able to turn it up a notch and snap the Pelicans’ three-game winning streak.
Meanwhile in Dallas, Doncic delivered another gem in a 127-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Doncic scored 33 points with 12 rebounds and 11 assists and at 23 years and 263 days old in his 279th game became the second-youngest and second-fastest NBA player to 50 triple-doubles.
Oscar Robertson was 23 years and 32 days old when he achieved the feat in his 111th career game.
