by Jaylen praises Celtics’ ‘young stars’ after win over Heat, originally broadcast on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics needed their backups to step up, with four of their starting eight out for Monday’s game against the Miami Heat. Indeed, the “Stay Ready Crew” lives up to its name.
With Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Sam Hauser out, Boston benefited from contributions from several players in its 108-89 victory over its Eastern Conference rival. Jordan Walsh made his second NBA start. Payton Pritchard dropped 25 points to mark his fourth straight game with at least 20 coming off the bench. Luke Kornet tied a career high with six blocks. Drew Peterson played 23 minutes for the second straight night after playing just 30 minutes his entire NBA career, and he finished with seven points and seven rebounds.
Neemias Queta added four points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes. Rookie Baylor Scheierman even had a few points late in the fourth quarter alongside JD Davison and Jaden Springer, with the victory all but sealed.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who led the way with a game-high 29 points, praised the second unit after the game.
“We have some young stars,” Brown told Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston. “Well done to our development team. They come in and get to work. They listen to our coaching staff and they get better and better. They are ready when their number is called.
“You never know, guys are injured, guys are out. They step in and fit in perfectly, so shout out to them. Jordan, Drew Peterson, JD, even Neemy (Neemias Queta) have been great at times, so shout out to these guys.”
Many viewed the Celtics’ bench as a weakness entering last season, but it’s clear that depth has become one of the defending champions’ biggest strengths. Second-unit stars like Pritchard, Hauser, Kornet and Tillman helped Boston en route to Banner 18, and now it appears Peterson, Queta and Walsh could play bigger roles in the quest for a repeat.
As for Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP missed Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to illness, but he was happy to feel more like himself and lead his team to a bounce-back victory Monday.
“I can’t lose two in a row,” he said. “I’m not feeling my best, but I just want to come out for my team and help us get a win. A back-to-back game can be tough, so I wanted to make sure we came out with the right energy.”
Brown and the C’s will look to keep the same energy — albeit with a healthier roster — when they host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Kickoff for this game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
