Boston Bounces Back: What Are the Key Points from Their First Victory of the 2025-26 NBA Season?
After three straight losses to open the season, the Boston Celtics finally found their rhythm in a commanding 122-90 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Anfernee Simons led the way with 25 points and six three-pointers, providing the offensive spark the Celtics had been missing. Payton Pritchard added 18 points, while Jaylen Brown, Luka Garza, and Josh Minott each made key contributions in the win. Boston went on a 31 to four run over the final nine minutes, sealing its first victory of the season in dominant fashion. It was the type of team performance that reminded fans of the potential this roster holds when everyone plays their role effectively.
Josh Minott’s breakout performance stood out as one of the biggest positives from the game. Earning his first career start, the fourth-year forward scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 28 minutes, displaying a mix of hustle and composure. His +42 plus-minus was the highest of any player on the floor, proving just how impactful he was on both ends of the court. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s decision to start Minott paid off, as the team finally found the balance and energy it had been searching for. Boston also controlled the interior, winning the rebound battle 54-35 and scoring 46 points in the paint, an area where they had struggled in earlier games.
Ball movement and unselfish play were also major factors in the Celtics’ success. Of their 46 made field goals, 25 were assisted, showing that players were committed to creating opportunities for each other. Seven players scored in double figures, which made the offense difficult to defend and kept the Pelicans guessing all night. The Celtics’ ability to spread the scoring load created a more fluid offense, one that looked far more confident than in previous outings. This level of chemistry and communication was something the team had been missing during its early-season struggles, and it played a major role in securing the win.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics will need to continue building on this momentum. Maintaining the same intensity, defensive pressure, and rebounding effort will be key if they hope to turn one win into a streak. Players like Simons and Minott will need to keep embracing their roles, as both bring a unique spark to the team’s rhythm. The Celtics should also keep emphasizing ball movement and energy off the bench, which helped them pull away late against New Orleans. If Boston can carry that same focus into its next game, the team will be in a strong position to keep climbing the standings and rediscover its winning identity.
