SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – In an exhilarating matchup at the Vivint Arena on Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics managed to fend off a fierce challenge from the Utah Jazz, securing a 129-119 victory. Despite a standout performance from Jazz rookie Keyonte George, who scored an impressive 37 points, the Celtics' depth and defensive prowess allowed them to maintain their lead and bring home the win. George, who was initially listed as questionable due to an illness, proved his mettle just hours before the game. His 37-point output not only showcased his scoring ability but also highlighted his resilience in overcoming health setbacks. The young guard shot 14-of-24 from the field, including five 3-pointers, and contributed significantly to the Jazz's offensive efforts. George's performance has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, who see him as a rising star in the league. "I just wanted to come out and help my team win, no matter what it took," George said after the game. "I felt good enough to play, and I just tried to give it my all. We fought hard, but we just came up a little short." The Celtics, who are currently one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, showcased their depth with Derrick White leading the charge in the fourth quarter. White scored 13 of his 27 points in the final frame, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His contributions were not limited to scoring; he also recorded a career-high seven blocks, providing critical defensive support when the Jazz threatened to close the gap. "Derrick has been huge for us all season," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla remarked. "His ability to score and defend at such a high level makes him an invaluable asset. We needed him to step up tonight, especially in the fourth quarter, and he delivered." The game was tightly contested throughout, with multiple lead changes and runs from both teams. The Celtics began the first quarter strong, establishing an early lead thanks to their sharpshooting and aggressive defense. However, the Jazz responded with a solid performance, particularly from George and fellow teammate Lauri Markkanen, who added 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds. As the game progressed, the Jazz found their rhythm, employing a fast-paced offense that kept the Celtics on their toes. The second quarter saw the Jazz outscore the Celtics 34-30, with George leading the charge and igniting the home crowd. Despite the Jazz's efforts, the Celtics maintained their composure, with Jayson Tatum contributing 23 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier talents. The third quarter shifted momentum back to the Celtics, who outscored the Jazz 36-28, with White making crucial plays that widened the gap. The Celtics' ability to create turnovers and convert them into points was instrumental in their success, as they capitalized on the Jazz's mistakes. With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, the Jazz rallied, hoping for a comeback. George's relentless scoring kept the team within striking distance. However, the Celtics' experience and defensive strategy proved too formidable. As the clock wound down, White's blocks played a pivotal role in stifling the Jazz’s attempts to narrow the score. "We knew they would make a run, but we just had to stay focused and execute our game plan," White explained. "It feels good to get the win, especially against a tough team like the Jazz on their home court." The defeat was a tough pill to swallow for the Jazz, who have been striving for consistency this season. Head coach Will Hardy acknowledged the effort of his players, highlighting George's impressive performance but emphasizing the need for improvement on the defensive end. "Keyonte was phenomenal tonight, and we're proud of him for stepping up like that," Hardy said. "But we have to tighten up our defense if we want to compete against teams like the Celtics. It’s a learning process for us, and we’ll get there." Looking ahead, the Celtics will carry this momentum into their next matchup, aiming to solidify their position in the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Jazz will regroup and focus on addressing their defensive lapses as they prepare for their upcoming games. Ultimately, Tuesday’s game served as a thrilling illustration of the competitive spirit in the NBA, with young talents like Keyonte George emerging as key players and established stars like Derrick White proving their worth in high-stakes situations. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the regular season.