Celtics Bounce Back with Blowout Win Over Pelicans, Earn First Victory of the Season

The Boston Celtics entered their Monday night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans facing the possibility of matching their worst start in franchise history—an 0-4 record not seen since the 1970-71 season. However, they turned things around in impressive fashion, outscoring the Pelicans 35-12 in the fourth quarter to secure a 122-90 victory. The win marked Boston’s first of the 2025-26 season, as they capitalized on New Orleans’ injury woes and a strong team performance across the board.

The Celtics had an 11-point lead at halftime and extended it further in the final frame. The Pelicans, missing key players like Zion Williamson (out with a foot injury) and Kevon Looney (recovering from a knee issue), struggled to keep up as Boston’s defense clamped down and their offense found a rhythm. Despite foul trouble for star Jaylen Brown, who played only 24 minutes, the Celtics’ depth and strong play from new contributors proved to be too much for the undermanned Pelicans.

Anfernee Simons, who came off the bench, led all scorers with 25 points, contributing 12 of those in the fourth quarter alone. The Celtics also dominated the glass, grabbing 66 rebounds compared to the Pelicans’ 46. On defense, Boston posted several blocks, including four from center Neemias Queta, while New Orleans was unable to record a single block.

Boston will look to build on this momentum, but the road ahead is challenging. With a tough game against the Cleveland Cavaliers coming up, the Celtics will need to continue their strong play to get back into the playoff race.

1. Celtics Dominate in the Fourth Quarter

The defining moment of the Celtics’ win came in the fourth quarter, when they outscored the Pelicans 35-12. This late surge turned a manageable 11-point lead into a commanding 32-point victory. The Pelicans, already playing without star Zion Williamson and center Kevon Looney, were unable to recover after Boston’s defensive adjustments and offensive outburst. The Celtics capitalized on the Pelicans’ lack of size and depth, particularly on the boards, where they grabbed 66 rebounds to New Orleans’ 46. Boston’s defensive performance was especially impressive in the second half, limiting the Pelicans to just 12 points in the final quarter. The Celtics’ size and intensity were too much for New Orleans to handle, and they were able to keep the pressure on throughout the game. The Pelicans couldn’t find their rhythm, as they were shut down in key moments, leading to a one-sided second half. Anfernee Simons played a pivotal role in the fourth-quarter explosion, scoring 12 points in the final frame and leading the bench unit. His scoring outburst helped push the Celtics’ lead even further, and his ability to step up in a critical moment was a major factor in the team’s blowout win. Simons’ performance was particularly significant given the Celtics’ struggles in the early part of the season. The fourth-quarter performance showcased the Celtics’ potential when they are firing on all cylinders, both offensively and defensively. If they can maintain this level of intensity, they could become a dangerous team as the season progresses.

2. Contributions from Unlikely Sources

While much of the focus in Boston is on All-Star Jaylen Brown and newly acquired players, it was the contributions from unexpected sources that helped propel the Celtics to victory. Josh Minott, making his first career start in the NBA, recorded a career-high 15 points. His energy on both ends of the floor was key for the Celtics, as he provided a spark in the starting lineup and helped maintain the team’s fast pace. Minott’s performance was especially important given Brown’s limited minutes due to foul trouble. With Brown playing only 24 minutes, the Celtics needed others to step up, and Minott answered the call. His play was a reminder that Boston’s depth is a strength, and when the team’s stars are limited, others are ready to contribute. The Celtics have made it a priority to play at a faster pace this season, and Minott’s energy aligns with that goal. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball will be crucial for the team as they look to play with more tempo and intensity moving forward. His performance in this game provides hope that the Celtics can sustain a faster pace, even when some of their key players are limited. Minott’s strong debut performance adds to the excitement around the Celtics’ young players, and his development will be something to watch as the season progresses.

3. Celtics’ Road Ahead

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Despite the dominant win, the Celtics’ early-season struggles are far from over. With a 1-3 record heading into Tuesday night’s game, they will need to continue building on their momentum. The team’s upcoming matchup against the 3-1 Cleveland Cavaliers will be a tough test, especially with the Cavs coming off a 21-point win over the Detroit Pistons. Boston’s early-season inconsistency has left them with work to do, and their upcoming games will be crucial for getting back into the playoff hunt. The team will need to improve on both ends of the floor, especially offensively, as they continue to find chemistry and get key players like Brown and Simons into a groove. The strong win against the Pelicans was a step in the right direction, but the real test will be whether they can sustain this level of play against stronger competition. The Celtics’ focus will be on maintaining defensive intensity and improving their offensive consistency. If they can do that, they’ll have a better chance of climbing back into the Eastern Conference race. The Boston Celtics secured their first win of the season with a dominant fourth-quarter performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, but face a tough challenge ahead as they look to build momentum.