SHOCKING: Boston Celtics DEFENSE DOMINATES, Derrick White & Payton Pritchard LEAD Epic Win

SHOCKING: Boston Celtics DEFENSE DOMINATES, Derrick White & Payton Pritchard LEAD Epic Win

Boston Celtics dominate Houston Rockets with relentless defense and elite performances from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Can this gritty win redefine the Celtics’ ceiling for the season?

SI’s John Karalis highlights the Celtics’ standout victory despite missing Jaylen Brown and key roster pieces, thanks to double-big lineups and elite defensive execution versus a favored Rockets squad. Ron Harper Jr. and Baylor Scheierman impress in expanded roles, while Derrick White’s 28 points and third-quarter takeover electrify the offense. Discussions include Joe Mazzulla’s case for Coach of the Year, Boston’s rebounding edge, and the significance of role players outperforming their contracts in the second apron era. With the trade deadline looming, the episode explores roster upgrades, buyout options, and the impact of rising G League stars. Can the Celtics sustain this momentum as they target postseason dominance?

00:00 Defense and Role Player Impact
08:44 Celtics’ Rebounding & Houston’s Identity
12:09 Derrick White & Payton Pritchard Shine
21:59 Celtics Bench Contributions
25:04 Ron Harper Jr. & Role Player Analysis
30:09 Brad Stevens’ Roster Wins & Season Outlook

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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis. It’s an inside look at the C’s from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.

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