The Boston Celtics opened their Christmas weekend in Southern California with a 145-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, led by Jayson Tatum’s 30 points and Jaylen Brown’s 24. 

Jrue Holiday scored 20 points and dished out seven assists as the Celtics won for the seventh time in eight games and the tenth time in twelve. 

Boston shot 52.1% overall at the same arena where it will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. 

As the Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard for the second consecutive game due to a left hip injury, Paul George scored 21 points and James Harden added 14 points and 10 assists. 

Los Angeles has dropped both games after a nine-game winning streak. 

Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the opening of four straight home games. 

The Celtics led 28-21 after one quarter, setting the tone for the game with 18 3-point attempts and six made. 

In the second quarter, Boston’s shooting improved. The Celtics led 68-51 at the half after shooting 9 of 15 (60%) from long deep.

Tatum survived an injury scare in the second quarter and completed a four-point play when he made a 3-pointer with 4:19 left in the first half before rolling his left ankle when he stepped on Kobe Brown’s foot. 

He converted the subsequent free throw to give his team a 59-40 advantage.

On a pair of free throws by Tatum, Boston pushed its lead to 92-62 with 5:01 remaining in the third quarter and cruised from there. 

The Celtics outrebounded the Clippers 60-39, led by Neemias Queta’s 14 points and 12 rebounds. 

Derrick White of Boston scored 18 points after averaging 29 points in the previous two games. 

Without Leonard at both ends of the court, the Clippers shot 46.1% from the field and went 11 of 34 (32.4%) from 3-point range. 

Los Angeles was led by Daniel Theis (15 points), Brandon Boston Jr. (13 points), and Russell Westbrook (12 points).

For the third time in five games, the Celtics prevailed without Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle injury).