(AP) Isaiah Thomas scored 16 of his 22 points in the third quarter, when the Boston Celtics turned a three-point deficit into a 16-point lead before coasting to their 14th straight home victory, 116-96 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
The Celtics have not lost in Boston in more than two months, a span that has seen them climb from ninth in the East into the conference's No. 3 seed.
Two nights after surprising the East-leading Cavaliers - despite being without four starters - Memphis sustained a collapse that was exacerbated by the loss of guard Mario Chalmers in the third quarter to what the team called a right foot injury.
Chalmers did not appear to sustain any contact before pulling up and then needing assistance off the court, unable to put any weight on his leg.
JaMychal Green had 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies. First-round draft pick Jarell Martin, who had scored eight points total in his NBA career, had 15 of his 16 points in the first half.
Chalmers hit a 3-pointer at the end of the second quarter to give Memphis a 55-52 lead going into halftime. But the Celtics scored the first five points of the third, then went on a 14-1 run near the end of the quarter to open an 18-point lead before Vince Carter made a pair of free throws to make it 83-67. -- By Jimmy Golen
Next Home Game
The Grizzlies will return to FedExForum on Friday, March 11 to face the Pelicans on Wrestling Night. The first 3k fans to arrive at the game will receive a Grizzlies Luchador Mask.
Key Stat of the Night
- Isaiah Thomas scored 16 of his 22 points in the third quarter.
Key Run of the Night
- Chalmers hit a 3-pointer at the end of the second quarter to give Memphis a 55-52 lead going into halftime.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Zach Randolph missed the game with a sore right knee.
- The Grizzlies were also without center Marc Gasol, who will miss the rest of the season with a broken right foot.
- Jared Sullinger missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday with a skin infection but started the game.
- Kelly Olynyk, who has been out the last 10 games with a separated shoulder, returned to full activity on Tuesday but was not dressed for the game.