BOSTON – Al Horford drained a 3-pointer that was released a split-second after the red light lit up signaling the end of the second quarter.
That was one of the few things that did not go Boston’s way in the first half, a half in which Boston played from ahead for all but the first 64 seconds.
It was more of the same afterward as Boston steadily pulled away for a relatively easy 113-86 win.
Boston (6-2) has now won six in a row to extend their run during this early stage of the season, atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Jaylen Brown, coming off a strong 18-point performance in Boston’s 108-94 win against San Antonio, picked up where he left off with a strong start to Wednesday’s game against the Kings.
He would tally 22 points in less than three quarters of action. The way the game was going, it was a given that he would have his night end early. But it actually finished a little earlier than anticipated after what appeared to be a minor tweak to his ankle.
Brown stayed on the floor until the first stoppage of play, before being replaced and not returning.
Boston Celtics
Find the latest Boston Celtics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
His backcourt mate Kyrie Irving was a matchup problem all game for the Kings (1-7) before finishing with 22 points as well.
For the Kings, veterans Zach Randolph and George Hill led the way with 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Boston’s control of the game was even more impressive considering how well their second unit played against a Sacramento team whose bench has been one of the few bright spots for them this season.
The Kings’ second unit came into Wednesday’s game averaging more than 48 points per game which was tops in the NBA.
But in the first half, it was Boston’s second unit that came up with some first-rate performances as they outscored the Kings’ backups 21-18.
With the game well in hand for most of the fourth quarter, the Kings backups wound up outscoring the 50-46.
This was the Celtics' first game this season against a team that frankly, they should have had no problem defeating.
With so many young players on the roster, no one knew for sure how Boston would handle being in a game that they weren’t just expected to win, but one that should have ended with a decisive victory.
To their credit, the Celtics did exactly what they were supposed to do most of the game which is to defend, share the ball and make open shots.
Boston found success on all those fronts which made Wednesday’s lopsided finish exactly what was supposed to happen based on where both teams are roster-wise and their play this season.
Now comes a Friday night matchup on the road at Oklahoma City, their toughest test of the season since losing Gordon Hayward for the season following a left ankle injury suffered in the season opener that’s expected to keep Hayward off the floor for the rest of the season.