Jayson Tatum scores 34 as Celtics demolish the Hornets 119-80 in NBA Cup play

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum delivered an impressive performance in the team's 119-80 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in NBA Cup play, tallying 34 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Derrick White also contributed significantly, scoring 18 points.

The Celtics shot 17 of 31 from beyond the arc in the first half, leading to a 31-point halftime lead. This performance marked their seventh win in eight games. The Hornets, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 in the tournament.

Naz Reid chipped in 14 points for the Hornets, who have struggled since benching Reid for subpar performance against Detroit on account of his alleged failure to meet team standards.

Tatum led the charge with 18 points in the first quarter, sinking three three-pointers and sparking a 40-20 Boston halftime lead. White added 10 points. The Boston side made 9 of 17 treys in the opening stanza.

The Hornets' shooting from all areas of the court was abysmal, with a mere 28% field goal percentage in the first half. They also turned the ball over eight times.

Tatum remained in the game till the last second of the third quarter with the Celtics leading by 42 points. He received "MVP!" chants from the crowd, but a potential game-winning three-pointer was ruled off due to a shooting foul.

Both the Hornets were missing key players Kon Knueppel and Moussa Diabate, with Brandon Miller exiting the game in the second quarter due to a right groin injury. The Hornets have lost six straight games since coach Charles Lee benched Reid mid-game against Detroit due to his perceived lack of team standards.