Undermanned Celtics Triumph: Bench Depth Shines in Victory Over Orlando Magic

The Boston Celtics faced a formidable challenge with key players sidelined, particularly in the center position. Kristaps Porziņģis, although stellar when healthy, and the reliable Al Horford, especially on non-back-to-back games, left a noticeable gap in the lineup.

The absence of their first, second, and third-string centers, including Luke Kornet, forced the Celtics to improvise. Lamar Stevens took the starting spot at the five, while Neemias Queta’s entrance off the bench sparked a significant turnaround in the first quarter. Surprisingly, even Jayson Tatum stepped into the center role.

Despite their undersized lineup, the Celtics responded assertively against a team that had consistently challenged them. Players like Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser elevated their roles, contributing significantly to the team’s 128-111 victory over the Orlando Magic.

In a game where Tatum scored 30 points, the spotlight shifted to the noteworthy performances of Pritchard, Hauser, Oshae Brissett, and Stevens. The absence of key players didn’t lead to a collapse; instead, it became a showcase of the supporting cast’s ability to maximize their roles.

Brissett dismissed concerns about the team’s depth, confidently stating that the second unit is superior to many teams’ first units. The Celtics’ depth, initially a pre-season worry, proved crucial in this game.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla downplayed concerns about depth, emphasizing his lack of worry. The second unit, featuring Pritchard’s nearly perfect shooting and Hauser’s all-around contributions, demonstrated their capability beyond being complementary to the star players.

The key to success for the Celtics in this game was speed. The second unit, composed mainly of guards and smalls, played with unmatched pace, leading to a season-high 14 steals and effective transition plays.

Facing a physical and intense Orlando Magic, the Celtics, despite their makeshift lineup, found success by playing to their strengths—speed and transition basketball. Jaylen Brown, who praised Orlando’s intensity, led the charge in running the Magic out of the building.

With this victory, the Celtics maintained an impressive 13-0 record at home, a feat accomplished for the second time in franchise history. Brown, embracing his leadership role, emphasized the importance of consistency and teamwork.

In a game where every healthy Celtic contributed, it was not a “next-man-up” scenario but an “all-men-up” mentality. Brown, acknowledging the significance of the win, deemed it the biggest game of the year, considering the challenges faced, including the absence of key players and a back-to-back scenario against a formidable opponent.”