"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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

(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 ...

Domantas Sabonis had 23 points and a career-high 28 rebounds, and the Kings used a fourth-quarter rally to beat the Celtics 114-97.

DeMar DeRozan added 24 points and nine assists, and Malik Monk finished with 22 points and eight assists. Boston has lost two of its last three. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 28 points ...