"When we're not giving our all, I think that's the most deserved boos," Kristaps Porziņģis said after Friday's loss to the Kings.

The reality is nobody fears the Celtics anymore. Opposing know they can win at the Garden, and are throwing various defenses to which Boston's offense can’t consistently respond.

Despite the expectations placed on the NBA's reigning champions, the current campaign has delivered the latest step in the Celtics' maturation in a humbling fashion.

A competitive game Friday night turned ugly late for the Celtics, who were run off their home floor by the shorthanded Sacramento Kings.

The Celtics are now just 3-5 in their last eight home games, which is more losses than they had at home all of last season.

The Sacramento Kings entered Friday night’s matchup against the Boston Celtics amid a five-game winning streak, but they knew they would have a tough test against the defending champions. Instead, the Kings dominated the Celtics, defeating them 114-97, pushing their winning streak to six games.

Domantas Sabonis collects 23 points and a career-high 28 rebounds, leading Sacramento to its sixth straight win, 114-97.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Boston Celtics’ Payton Pritchard (11) drives past Sacramento Kings’ Malik Monk during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis (11 ...

The Supreme Judicial Court ruling in the Milton lawsuit is a win for Healey and Campbell, but could slow implementation of the state’s ambitious housing law.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said the offensive struggles also affect the team’s defense. The apathy Boston played with ... on a single possession. Malik Monk fired a shot up from the top of ...

Jan 10, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) in the first quarter at TD Garden.

The Kings remained unbeaten at home under interim coach Doug Christie after going 6-12 at Golden 1 Center to start the season.