Despite having a strong shooting night in Miami, the Celtics were unable to replicate that success at home, falling to the Clippers 115-96.

In the first half, the Celtics made 15 of 51 shots (43% from beyond the arc). Boston shot 29% in the first half, their lowest first-half shooting percentage this season.

Jayson Tatum was the lone bright spot offensively; he scored seven of Boston’s opening nine points. After going cold offensively, the Celtics had trouble finding point guard Jayson Tatum, who completed the half with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. On the bright side, Tatum scored his first basket of the game, bringing his career total to 11,00.

It seemed like the Clippers could always find a way to put an end to every run that Boston attempted. The first half’s standout play was an alley-oop by Luke Kornet, who had just gotten a new haircut. Kornet checked in, blocked Russell Westbrook, and then proceeded to outscore everyone on the field.

Halftime was 55-39 in favor of the Clippers.

Pass the ball to Tatum and let him do his thing; that was the clear message in the second half. The five-time All-Star started the quarter with a run of seven points. Nevertheless, the Clippers continued to make crucial plays because to Terrance Mann, who did a little bit of everything for the team and grabbed two оffensive rebounds in the first three minutes of the third quarter.

With 3:30 remaining in the third quarter, the Clippers had extended their lead to 33 points (79-46) after going on a 20-0 run. There was a six-minute stretch during which the Celtics failed to score.

Los Angeles controlled the tempo, outplayed Boston, and won every loose ball. Even though they appeared unstoppable throughout the season, the Celtics defense was completely ineffective tonight. With no minutes played in the fourth quarter, Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points on 10 of fifteen shooting.

As the fourth quarter began, the Clippers had a 91-60 lead.

Joe Mazzulla signaled timeout in the fourth quarter, removing his starters to make room for players like Lamar Stevens, Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, Neemias Queta, and Dalano Banton. The lone starter to score in double figures was Jayson Tatum, who finished with 21 points.

Ultimately, the Bruins shot 35.6% from the floor and 25% from beyond the arc.

In Monday night’s game against the Pelicans, the Celtics will be aiming for a rebound.