NBA roundup: Celtics hold off spirited Kings to extend winning streak

On Friday, the Boston Celtics, who were the highest-ranked team, managed to withstand a remarkable 40-point performance by De'Aaron Fox and a relentless comeback in the fourth quarter by the Sacramento Kings. As a result, the Celtics emerged victorious with a narrow 101-100 win.

Boston, already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs as the NBA's top-ranked team, appeared to be on track for an easy win after establishing a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter.

However, what seemed like a routine victory for Boston nearly turned into a disaster as Sacramento fought back and took a one-point lead, 100-99, with just 27 seconds remaining after a three-pointer by Fox.

Fortunately for Boston, Xavier Tillman's floating jump shot put them back in the lead with only seven seconds left on the clock, and the Celtics managed to hold on and secure their 61st win of the season.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commended the resilience of his team's second unit in closing out the game, expressing optimism for their performance in the upcoming playoffs.

"I found it enjoyable and incredible," Mazzulla remarked. "We couldn't have created a more intense, pressure-filled, chaotic situation. It's the perfect setting for executing our strategies.

"When those players are on the court, we hold them to the same standards as everyone else. I believe they did an excellent job of making crucial plays."

Payton Pritchard led Boston's scoring with 21 points off the bench, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists.

Despite Sacramento's loss, they have secured at least a play-in spot after the Houston Rockets were defeated 119-104 at home by the Miami Heat.

In other Friday games, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered their third consecutive loss, falling 117-111 at home to the eliminated Toronto Raptors, who had previously been on a 15-game losing streak.

Milwaukee, playing without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo, started strongly and built a 10-point lead in the second quarter. However, the Raptors mounted a comeback and brought themselves back into contention.

Gary Trent Jr. led Toronto's scoring with 31 points, while R.J. Barrett (26) and Immanuel Quickley (25) provided offensive support.

Damian Lillard was the top scorer for Milwaukee with 36 points, including four three-pointers out of twelve attempts. The Bucks (47-30) currently hold the second position in the Eastern Conference.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his frustration after the team's defeat, acknowledging that they need to find a way to overcome their current struggles.

He emphasized the importance of working through their challenges rather than letting frustration hinder their progress.

Looking ahead, the Bucks will face the New York Knicks in their next game, who recently suffered a loss despite a strong performance from Jalen Brunson.

In another game, the Golden State Warriors missed an opportunity to secure a play-in spot as they fell short in a close match against the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite missing Luka Doncic, the Mavericks were fueled by P.J. Washington's 32-point performance and Kyrie Irving's contribution of 26 points.

The Oklahoma City Thunder also faced a setback, experiencing their third consecutive defeat against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers' Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points, while Tyrese Haliburton had a modest scoring tally of eight points but contributed with 11 assists.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Haliburton's focus on winning rather than individual scoring. The short-handed Thunder now hold the third position in the Western Conference, trailing behind Minnesota and Denver.

In a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans, the Spurs made a comeback from a 15-point deficit to secure a 111-109 victory.

C.J. McCollum led the scoring for the Pelicans with 31 points, but the Spurs' balanced offensive performance, with seven players finishing in double figures, ultimately sealed the win.