Celtics at Kings
The Boston Celtics have been sputtering over recent weeks but will be looking to follow up an impressive victory when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in the second contest of their four-game road trip. Boston shellacked Golden State 128-95 on Tuesday for just its second triumph in seven games.
Kyrie Irving has been the focal point of the Celtics' dysfunction but had his attitude in check as he and his teammates dismantled the two-time defending champions. "We put a lot of emphasis on being connected, being together," Irving said during a postgame television interview. "We haven't been doing that. We've been doing a lot of talking and, honestly, it's about time we put some action in it. It starts with me and my energy and the way I play." Sacramento dropped five of six games before regaining its form with a 115-108 home win over New York on Monday. The Kings are three games behind San Antonio in the battle for the final postseason berth in the Western Conference as they seek to end their 12-season playoff drought.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, NBCS California (Sacramento)
ABOUT THE CELTICS (39-26): Disappointing small forward Gordon Hayward erupted for 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting against Golden State after averaging just 5.2 on 8-of-26 shooting over his previous five games. Hayward has struggled most of the season while trying to regain his form after suffering a severe ankle injury in the 2017-18 season opener. "This is around the time you want to see a veteran player be at the top of his game," Irving said of Hayward. "Obviously, it's one game and we want some carryover, but this was a great start."
ABOUT THE KINGS (32-31): Recently acquired small forward Harrison Barnes had his highest scoring output in nine games with the club when he recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds in the victory over the Knicks. Barnes is averaging 12.7 points and 7.1 rebounds with the Kings, and the strong outing against New York was his third double-double with the team. "He made some savvy plays to finish some buckets around the rim, and took his time," coach Dave Joerger told reporters of Barnes. "That's good for us as we grow because we are a bit frantic at times with our youth. That can be very steady for us."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Celtics won last season's two meetings by an average of 19 points.
2. Boston reserve SG Jaylen Brown recorded 18 points against the Warriors for his eight straight double-digit scoring performance.
3. Sacramento SG Buddy Hield scored 28 points versus New York and is averaging 27 over his last five games.