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<title type="text">CelticsBlog</title>
<subtitle type="text">Your best source for quality Boston Celtics news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.</subtitle>
<updated>2025-10-14T08:16:19+00:00</updated>
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<entry>
<author>
<name>Nik Land</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Parquet plays: how Anfernee Simons was utilized perfectly vs. Cleveland]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-videos/122682/parquet-plays-how-anfernee-simons-was-utilized-perfectly-vs-cleveland" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122682</id>
<updated>2025-10-14T04:16:19-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-14T06:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Film Study" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics Videos" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[In just two games with the Celtics, Anfernee Simons has already showcased the scoring prowess that has many of his new teammates calling him simply “a bucket.”  While that may be true, these two games revealed slightly different versions of Simons as a scorer, and personally, I hope the Celtics continue to lean into the […]]]></summary>
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In just two games with the Celtics, Anfernee Simons has already showcased the scoring prowess that has many of his new teammates calling him simply “a bucket.” 
While that may be true, these two games revealed slightly different versions of Simons as a scorer, and personally, I hope the Celtics continue to lean into the way he was utilized against Cleveland, rather than the approach taken in the Toronto game. 
In Toronto, Simons put together a solid outing with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-7 from three. However, he struggled as the primary ball-handler under consistent defensive pressure. His three turnovers were directly caused by tight on-ball defense, and there were two additional plays where he lost control due to that same pressure. While I will give grace to first-game jitters, what unfolded in the Cleveland game offered a promising counter, one that both eases the pressure on him and accelerates his adjustment to the Celtics’ system.
In Toronto, Simons had a 27% usage rate. Although usage rate doesn’t always equate to these things, this outing saw him dribbling the ball up the court more against pressure and standing at or near the logo waiting for things to happen. This led to turnovers, but also many late clock situations while he was out there essentially slowing the pace down (Simons had a 94.7 pace rating this game).  
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="late shotclock + TO's" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZ9_pENPgH4?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
While Simons clearly has the talent to score in stagnant possessions with minimal movement, his performance last night suggested that his efficiency can be enhanced. He scored 21 points with a lower usage rate (21%) on 6/12 from the field with all of his makes coming from three (6/9). He had one turnover opposed to three, and his pace rating jumped 13.1 to 107.8.  
This is not a cry to take the ball completely out of Simons’ hands (because that would be foolish), but just an angel on the shoulder breaking down the actions and plays where he was able to get catch-and-shoot opportunities and or take less time/dribbles to score.  
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vs. Toronto</h2>
Even in his first game, there were a few encouraging plays that hinted at how effective Simons could be in more of an off-ball role.
The first play of his Celtics career (video explanation below) was “Ram Miami.” To begin the play, you see Josh Minott set an off ball for Neemias Queta to set a ball screen for Payton Pritchard. That part is the “Ram” action. Ram = an off ball screen for someone to go set a ball screen. Pritchard uses the ball screen from Queta to initiate a DHO with Simons. Miami = dribble hand off followed by a ball screen. Even though he doesn’t make it, he gets an open look.
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Grading Anfernee Simons’ Celtics Debut : Film Session" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DYWKqSydPa0?rel=0&start=54" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
Next play sees Simons touch the ball quite a few times, but he only takes two dribbles. Chris Boucher receives a series of staggered screens and uses them to cut to the paint. Celtics were able to get good movement between Simons and Xavier Tillman through handoffs, which I noted were a <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122395/10-takeaways-from-celtics-preseason-opening-win-vs-grizzlies">large part of their offense vs. Memphis.</a> On the last handoff, Simons is able to take one dribble and get right to the cup.
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="handoffs with X" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nlS5VS0uK74?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
Here is just a smart play by Queta freeing Simons up with a simple “Flare” screen.  
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Flare screen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nXQmgGKTREY?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Vs. Cleveland  </h2>
Simons got more looks off the catch. Four of his six made threes were of that variety.  
The first play encapsulates what I hope Jaylen Brown can do consistently this year. A simple drive from him will draw the defense’s attention more often than not. Simons is able to play off him and hit a catch-and-shoot three. He shot 38% from behind the arc in these situations last season.  
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="playing off JB 1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f2KNfAPjl7E?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
Next play is good work again by Queta. He catches the defender only looking at the ball and sets another good screen for Simons to spring free. He shot 42% on open threes last season.  
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="off ball" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ub-MteMjEvs?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
Here, he’s able to get one by doing something the Celtics have always viewed as a winning play: corner crash.  
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="corner crash" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gbhNy7i-L4I?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
Jaylen Brown pushes the pace once again, and his drive forces three Cavaliers to the paint. This leaves Simons and Sam Hauser wide open, and Simons hits another one. 
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="playing off JB 2" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LnGfs7PwlUA?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
Lastly, Minott does a good job finding Simons trailing the play. No one gets up on Simons, and he has the range to knock this down.  
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="trailer" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q5w7e8DM7T4?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
At Media Day, Simons was asked about the potential shot quality change he would see playing with the Celtics. He responded, “when I found out I was coming here, I was like I can finally get some wide open shots on a consistent basis.” And while his tough shot making will always be valuable, I believe an emphasis on getting him the best looks majority of the time will maximize him. The 3-6 or 7+ dribble three point attempts he’s capable of hitting should be the cherry on top, not the main course.
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Bill Sy</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[The world according to Joe Mazzulla]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122729/the-world-according-to-joe-mazzulla" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122729</id>
<updated>2025-10-13T23:49:13-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-14T05:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Articles" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics News" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[For three years, we’ve oversimplified Joe Mazzulla. “Mazzulla Ball” is a term of affection, but really, it’s a dumbed down catchall for his coaching style and often misinterpreted as “shooting a bunch of threes” or beating teams with math. Even he might streamline his offensive approach to just creating 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 advantages. After an […]]]></summary>
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For three years, we’ve oversimplified Joe Mazzulla.
“Mazzulla Ball” is a term of affection, but really, it’s a dumbed down catchall for his coaching style and often misinterpreted as “shooting a bunch of threes” or beating teams with math. Even he might streamline his offensive approach to just creating 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 advantages.
After an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veuZ5kIBgGM">uncharacteristically feisty postgame presser</a> following the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-scores-results/122623/122623-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers-cavs-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-joe-mazzulla-payton-pritchard">Celtics’ 138-107 blowout of the visiting Cavaliers</a>, Boston’s head coach spoke in more detail about his approach this season.
“It’s us working together on coming up with how we can push each other to be our absolute best and at the same time, how can we develop an identity that gives us a shot to win every single night and a process towards that throughout the season,” Mazzulla said.
Heading into Media Day and training camp, there were more questions than answers. Who would start at center? How would the team make up for Jayson Tatum’s absence? Could any of the unproven new guys replace the production of five rotation players of a championship roster?
Mazzulla has spoken highly of everybody over the last two weeks, resisting the idea of singling out someone as a missing piece or a surefire contributor. Instead, he’s continually preached the collective. For the Celtics to be consistently successful, everybody has to be doing everything all at once.
“The game has changed so much. It’s not static rules-based basketball anymore,” Mazzulla explained. “It’s reads-based and if a team plays a coverage on one possession, it’s almost guaranteed that they’re going to change their coverage on the next possession and you have to be ready for that.”
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Joe Mazzulla: "Unfortunate" Players Hear Things About His Coaching | Practice Interview" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FqBbn-vuoEU?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
After being able to rely on veterans like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis, this year could the most intricate puzzle for Mazzulla to solve. Despite the team having lower expectations — don’t tell Joe that — fans won’t blame the players if they hit a five-game losing streak in January. Sports talk radio and Kendrick Perkins will point their fingers at the bench boss.
But Mazzulla is up for the challenge.
“It makes it more difficult for us in the short term, but the idea is to make it more difficult for our opponents in the long term because if we can find the structure within the chaos and get that, it’ll be difficult for the environment and the opponent over the course of the entire season,” Mazzulla said.
“The structure behind it is how flexible we can be, how quickly can we have an understanding of ‘hey, this is the advantage that we have in this four-minute segment?’ Most sub patterns are in that 6-7 minute segment, so it’s ‘hey, this is what makes the most sense now.’”
A handful of players have popped so far in the first three preseason games, including free agents Josh Minott and Chris Boucher. Credit Mazzulla. Don’t credit Mazzulla. It’s not about that for the youngest coach in the NBA. 
After starting with the franchise as an assistant coach in Maine nearly a decade ago, Mazzulla has treated everybody that steps foot on the parquet with the same level of respect and accountability. It’s a simple mindset for the basketball philosopher.
Because that, truly, is Mazzulla Ball.
“It’s a form of love and love is interpreted many different ways depending upon what you’re trying to do,” Mazzulla waxed poetically after Monday’s practice. “Love can be graceful. Love can be harsh. Love can be a feeling. Love can be an action. It can be a bunch of things. It’s just coming together on that.”
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Shirley Coshatt</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/13/25]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/122619/boston-celtics-daily-links-10-13-25" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122619</id>
<updated>2025-10-13T15:31:20-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-13T15:31:20-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Daily Links" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Globe 8 takeaways as Anfernee Simons helps Celtics roll over Cavaliers How Joe Mazzulla must adjust his coaching style now that he’s leading NBA unknowns instead of NBA stars Who’s going to step up and grab defensive rebounds? And other observations from Celtics’ preseason play. Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Cavaliers 10/12/25 […]]]></summary>
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Globe <a href="https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2025/10/13/celtics-cavaliers-nba-preseason-anfernee-simons-josh-minott-takeaways/">8 takeaways as Anfernee Simons helps Celtics roll over Cavaliers</a>
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/13/sports/celtics-joe-mazzulla/">How Joe Mazzulla must adjust his coaching style now that he’s leading NBA unknowns instead of NBA stars</a>
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/12/sports/celtics-preseason-continues-cavaliers/">Who’s going to step up and grab defensive rebounds? And other observations from Celtics’ preseason play.</a>
Celtics Green <a href="https://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2025/10/comments-from-other-side-cavaliers.html">Comments from the Other Side – Cavaliers 10/12/25</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=15949292&postID=1362287386669527956&from=pencil"></a>
Celtics .com <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122613/jayson-tatum-shoe-launch-celtics-roxbury">Jayson Tatum makes 1 thing crystal clear at sneaker launch</a>
<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122649/josh-minott-has-never-experienced-this-before">Josh Minott has never experienced this before</a>
<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122644/anfernee-simons-felt-right-at-home-in-celtics-win-over-cavaliers">Anfernee Simons felt right at home in Celtics’ win over Cavaliers</a>
<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122584/ten-takeaways-celtics-cavaliers">Ten takeaways: fast and furious Celtics debut at TD Garden</a>
<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-scores-results/122623/122623-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers-cavs-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-joe-mazzulla-payton-pritchard">Celtics smoke shorthanded Cavaliers, 138-107</a>
CLNS Media <a href="https://www.clnsmedia.com/6-proven-tips-to-help-coaches-prepare-their-teams-for-the-season/"></a><a href="https://www.clnsmedia.com/6-proven-tips-to-help-coaches-prepare-their-teams-for-the-season/">6 Proven Tips To Help Coaches Prepare Their Teams For The Season</a>
<a href="https://www.clnsmedia.com/boston-blows-out-cleveland-in-3rd-preseason-game/">Boston Blows out Cleveland in 3rd Preseason Game | Celtics vs Cavaliers Postgame Show</a>
Celtics .com <a href="https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/gamerecap-keys-20251012-clebos">KEYS TO THE GAME</a>
NBC Sports Boston <a href="https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/joe-mazzulla-press-conference-rebounding/738469/">Mazzulla makes emphatic point about Celtics’ preseason rebounding woes</a>
<a href="https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/live-updates-cavaliers-preseason-highlights-analysis/738090/">Celtics-Cavs recap: C’s dominate from start to finish in preseason home opener</a>
NESN <a href="https://nesn.com/2025/10/celtics-offseason-signing-felt-invincible-in-preseason-game/"> Celtics’ Offseason Signing Felt ‘Invincible’ In Preseason Game</a>
<a href="https://nesn.com/2025/10/joe-mazzulla-goes-off-on-reporter-over-celtics-new-look-offense/">Joe Mazzulla Goes Off On Reporter Over Celtics’ New-Look Offense</a>
<a href="https://nesn.com/2025/10/celtics-joe-mazzulla-yanks-guys-from-game-for-this-mistake/">Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Yanks Guys From Game For This Mistake</a>
Mass Live <a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/"></a><a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/10/jaylen-brown-makes-bold-claim-on-boston-celtics-roster-we-got-enough.html">Jaylen Brown makes bold claim on Boston Celtics roster: ‘We got enough’</a>
<a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/10/new-celtics-addition-embraces-unfamiliar-role-in-cavaliers-win.html">New Celtics addition embraces unfamiliar role in Cavaliers win</a>
<a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/10/joe-mazzulla-highlights-boston-celtics-key-priority-of-preseason.html">Joe Mazzulla highlights Boston Celtics key priority of preseason</a>
<a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/10/anfernee-simons-is-the-celtics-name-to-know-player-of-the-game-in-sundays-win-vs-cavaliers.html">Anfernee Simons is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Sunday’s win vs. Cavaliers</a>
<a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/10/4-takeaways-as-celtics-trade-addition-shines-in-blowout-win-vs-cavaliers.html">4 takeaways as Celtics trade addition shines in blowout win vs. Cavaliers</a>
<a href="https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/10/celtics-unveil-surprise-starter-at-center-vs-cavaliers.html">Celtics unveil surprise starter at center vs. Cavaliers</a>
Celtics Wire <a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/13/mazzulla-on-whether-he-needs-to-adjust-coaching-style-with-celtics/86675972007/">Mazzulla on whether he needs to adjust coaching style with Celtics</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/13/anfernee-simons-on-making-an-impact-for-the-celtics-as-a-bench-player/86675330007/">Anfernee Simons on making an impact for the Celtics as a bench player</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/13/derrick-white-on-how-the-celtics-defend-rebound-with-new-look-roster/86673940007/">Derrick White on how the Boston Celtics defend, rebound with new -look roster</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/13/celtics-jersey-history-no-40-joseph-forte-2001/86575668007/">Boston Celtics jersey history No. 40 – Joseph Forte (2001)</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/13/derrick-white-on-having-blake-griffin-on-the-celtics/85768998007/">Derrick White on having Blake Griffin on the Celtics</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/13/celtics-history-pierce-doc-oneal-born-havlicek-jersey-retired/86576444007/">Celtics history: Pierce, Doc, O’Neal born; Havlicek jersey retired</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/12/celtics-improved-2-1-preseason-after-stomping-the-cavs/86666684007/">The Celtics cruised to a 31-point win over the Cavaliers at TD Garden</a>
The Athletic <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6712435/2025/10/13/celtics-win-cavaliers-joe-mazzulla-subs-luka-garza/">Joe Mazzulla’s quick subs after rebounding mistakes catch Luka Garza’s attention</a>
Boston Sports Journal <a href="https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2025/10/13/nba-notebook-celtics-settling-into-higher-pace-and-play-style-the-roster-demanded">NBA Notebook: Celtics settling into higher pace and play style the roster demanded</a>
<a href="https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2025/10/12/bsj-game-report-celtics-138-cavs-107---simons-white-pritchard-shine-against-another-resting-opponent">BSJ Game Report: Celtics 138, Cavs 107 – Simons, White, Pritchard shine against another resting opponent</a>
<a href="https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/live/bsj-live-coverage-celtics-vs-cavs-7-pm---full-strength-squads-expected-to-face-off">Final: Celtics 138, Cavs 107 – Hot shooting, resting opponent mask deficiencies</a>
Hardwood Houdini <a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-anfernee-simons-opens-up-about-acclimating-to-new-role">Anfernee Simons opens up about acclimating to new role</a>
<a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/boston-celtics-joe-mazzulla-offensive-philosophy-three-pointers-cleveland-cavaliers-preseason">Joe Mazzulla’s philosophy is as painfully clear as ever</a>
<a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-rave-about-josh-minott-share-what-they-need-from-him-derrick-white-mazzulla">Celtics rave about new addition and share what they need from him</a>
<a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers-preseason-revealed-starters-maybe">Celtics may have just given fans a sneak peak at what’s to come</a>
<a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-xavier-tillman-sr-shares-crucial-lesson-hes-learning-from-chris-boucher">Xavier Tillman Sr. shares the crucial lesson he’s learning from Chris Boucher</a>
<a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-unleashing-chaotic-structure-to-overcome-imbalance-jaylen-brown-mazzulla">Celtics unleashing chaotic structure to overcome imbalance</a>
CLNS Media/YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd7NWclzheo">LIVE Garden Report: Celtics vs Cavaliers Preseason Postgame Show</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpN8glUlMtg">Josh Minott: Joe Mazzulla is Trying to PUSH ME TO MY LIMIT | Celtics Practice</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0ckl7oZC6c">Jaylen Brown on Becoming the Celtics OLD HEAD: “That Hurts” | Practice Interview</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqBbn-vuoEU">Joe Mazzulla: “Unfortunate” Players Hear Things About His Coaching | Practice Interview</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZrxW4EfGY4">Derrick White Says Mazzulla Coaching Differently This Year | Postgame Press Conference October 12th</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdDIqJFUwBY">Anfernee Simons LOVES Playing at TD Garden | Postgame Press Conference October 12th, 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veuZ5kIBgGM">Joe Mazzulla RIPS Celtics Reporter Question About 3PT Shooting | Postgame Interview</a>
ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46554832/nba-roster-tiers-ranking-all-30-teams-top-trio-players">NBA roster tiers: Ranking top trios for all 30 teams</a>
SI .com <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/news/jayson-tatum-sends-bold-message-to-celtics-fans">Jayson Tatum Sends Bold Message to Celtics Fans</a>
<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/news/celtics-joe-mazzulla-doesnt-hold-back-on-players-needing-to-stay-ready">Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Doesn’t Hold Back on Players Needing to Stay Ready</a>
<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/news/surprise-celtics-rookie-projected-to-have-bigger-impact-than-top-pick-hugo-gonzalez">Surprise Celtics Rookie Projected to ‘Have Bigger Impact’ Than Top Pick Hugo Gonzalez</a>
Celtics Big Man Makes Honest Admission About Frontcourt
The Sporting News <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/boston-celtics/news/celtics-rookie-6-foot-10-center-expected-thrive-outshine-first-round-pick-guard/c57de38331ee0f9d57e9b9c0">Celtics’ rookie 6-foot-10 center expected to outshine first-round pick guard, per writer</a>
Fadeaway World <a href="https://fadeawayworld.net/oldest-and-youngest-nba-player-on-every-team-in-2025-26#google_vignette"> Oldest And Youngest NBA Player On Every Team In 2025-26</a>
<a href="https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-payton-pritchard-admits-wife-more-famous-than-him">Payton Pritchard Admits His Wife May Be More Famous Than Him; Says Fans Often Approach Him Just To Ask About Her</a>
NBA/YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-e2wCGFtqI">CAVALIERS at CELTICS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | October 12, 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxkVHUVNQj4">Anfernee Simons Was GETTING BUSY vs Cleveland | October 12, 2025</a>
KAGS <a href="https://www.kagstv.com/video/sports/locked-on/lo-cleveland/cavaliers-show/cleveland-cavaliers-lose-third-preseason-game-to-boston-celtics-plus-is-it-time-to-worry-about-the-bench/535-c9629668-ae2f-4ff7-a572-356c33980374">Cleveland Cavaliers Lose Third Preseason Game to Boston Celtics, Plus Is It Time to Worry About the Bench?</a>
Barstool Sports <a href="https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3554898/joe-mazzulla-had-enough-and-immediately-lost-his-shit-after-once-again-being-asked-about-the-celtics-three-point-shooting-philosophy">Joe Mazzulla Had Enough And Immediately Lost His Sh** After Once Again Being Asked About The Celtics Three Point Shooting Philosophy</a>
<a href="https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3554893/want-to-see-a-dead-body-wendell-moore-jr-detonated-for-one-of-the-most-perfectly-executed-posters-youll-ever-see">Want To See A Dead Body? Wendell Moore Jr Detonated For One Of The Most Perfectly Executed Posters You’ll Ever See</a>
Talkbasket <a href="https://www.talkbasket.net/204120-why-the-nbas-smartest-players-dont-always-take-the-shot">Why the NBA’s Smartest Players Don’t Always Take the Shot</a>
<a href="https://www.talkbasket.net/204101-anfernee-simons-drops-21-as-celtics-blowout-cavaliers">Anfernee Simons drops 21 as Celtics blowout Cavaliers</a>
Audacy <a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/celtics/6-takeaways-as-newcomers-shine-in-celtics-win-over-cavaliers">6 takeaways as newcomers shine in Celtics’ win over Cavaliers</a><a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei"></a>
Duke Wire <a href="https://dukewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/duke/mens-basketball/2025/10/13/coach-k-narrates-jayson-tatums-comeback-video/86666063007/">Coach K narrates video highlighting Jayson Tatum’s comeback</a>
NBA Analysis <a href="https://nbaanalysis.net/boston-celtics-biggest-changes-for-2025-26-nba-season-including-trading-jrue-holiday/">Boston Celtics’ biggest changes for 2025-26 NBA season, including trading Jrue Holiday</a>
Sportskeeda <a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-find-five-guys-will-rebound-joe-mazzulla-sends-no-nonsense-message-boston-celtics-players">“Find five guys that will rebound”: Joe Mazzulla sends no-nonsense message to Boston Celtics players</a>
Basketball Network <a href="https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/jayson-tatum-promises-another-nba-title-to-the-boston-celtics">Jayson Tatum promises another NBA title to the Boston Celtics: “The parade was the best day of my life”</a>
Essentially Sports <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-boston-celtics-presser-turns-heated-as-joe-mazzulla-leaves-no-doubts-over-strategy-after-blowout-win-vs-cavs-cleveland-cavaliers/">Celtics Presser Turns Heated as Joe Mazzulla Leaves No Doubts Over Strategy After Blowout Win vs Cavs</a>
Total Pro Sports <a href="https://www.totalprosports.com/nba/coach-k-sends-chills-with-powerful-line-in-jayson-tatums-new-commercial/"> “He’ll Never Be The Same”- Coach K Sends Chills With Powerful Line In Jayson Tatum’s New Commercial</a>
Fear the Sword <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-analysis/39219/player-grades-cavs-get-demolished-by-celtics">Player Grades: Cavs get demolished by Celtics</a>
Dunking with Wolves <a href="https://dunkingwithwolves.com/minnesota-timberwolves-josh-minott-making-look-foolish-giving-up-boston-celtics-preseason-nba-free-agency">Ex-Wolves forward is making them look foolish for giving up on him</a>
Boston Celtics/YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laxbPJTJdxw">Is Josh Minott the next diamond in the rough for the Celtics? | SOUND OFF</a>

]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Noa Dalzell</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Jayson Tatum makes 1 thing crystal clear at sneaker launch]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122613/jayson-tatum-shoe-launch-celtics-roxbury" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122613</id>
<updated>2025-10-13T12:03:19-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-13T12:03:19-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Articles" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics Features" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics News" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[ROXBURY, Mass. — The crowd’s anticipation grew by the minute. “Where’s my king?” one lanky 8th grader belted. “The GOAT is coming!” yelled his equally enthralled friend. A sea of kids hurled one-liners at one another as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of Jayson Tatum. For hours, hundreds of Celtics fans flooded the bleachers of […]]]></summary>
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ROXBURY, Mass. — The crowd’s anticipation grew by the minute.
“Where’s my king?” one lanky 8th grader belted. 
“The GOAT is coming!” yelled his equally enthralled friend.
A sea of kids hurled one-liners at one another as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122449/shams-jayson-tatum-wants-to-play-this-season-boston-celtics-joe-mazzulla-brad-stevens-jaylen-brown">Jayson Tatum</a>. For hours, hundreds of Celtics fans flooded the bleachers of a makeshift basketball court outside of a Footlocker just steps away from Dudley Square.
And, while they waited, fans of all ages partook in dance battles and karaoke, all while ooh-ing and aah-ing each and every time a car drove by that could possibly carry the six-time All-Star. 
Then, as the sun began to set, Tatum arrived, donning a red St. Louis baseball cap as he sauntered onto the parquet, his mother, Brandy Cole, beside him.
Tatum, who traveled with the Celtics for both preseason games despite being sidelined, was in Roxbury to celebrate the launch of his new Jordan Brand sneakers, which were released on Friday when the Celtics superstar was in Toronto with the team.
So, less than a day after touching down in Boston, Tatum spent the afternoon with Celtics fans in Roxbury. His Tatum 4 campaign slogan — Never Be The Same: Same Was Never The Goal — overlooked the basketball court. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Here in Roxbury, where Jayson Tatum is moments from arriving for a special event celebrating the launch of his new shoes, the Tatum 4s <a href="https://t.co/yjp9qZCMNY">pic.twitter.com/yjp9qZCMNY</a>— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1977117769088086484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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In a panel conversation moderated by reporter Greydy Diaz, Tatum reflected on the release of his fourth shoe, which comes in colorways that represent both St. Louis and Boston. 
“This means the world,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here for nine years. I was always prideful about where I was from in St. Louis, and now I’ve grown to have that same pride about being in Boston.”
“I really love my time here. I’ve loved spending really my adulthood in Boston. The best fans, the unconditional support and love. It’s really special being here.”
<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Inside the Tatum 4 sneakers</h4>
The Tatum 4s — the fourth edition of Tatum’s Jordan Brand sneaker line — comes in a red St. Louis colorway and with the names of each of Tatum’s young sons, Deuce and Dylan, engraved on the inside flap of each shoe. 
And, on the back of each sneaker is a silver ‘0’ pendant representing Tatum’s jersey number.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Shoutout to Jordan Brand for the Tatum 4s, can’t wait to try these out. They came with the note: “Jayson Tatum will never be the same — and that should terrify you.” <a href="https://t.co/STAaOwxRdI">pic.twitter.com/STAaOwxRdI</a>— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1971920119623569704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Tatum explained that the design process began 18 months ago, and noted that his Tatum 4s are currently the lightest shoes in the entire Jordan line. The red colorway — which hit shelves on Oct. 11th — represents Tatum’s hometown of St. Louis, while the ‘Green Glow’ colorway — coming out on Oct. 23rd — draws inspiration from Boston and the Celtics. 
Those are intentional design decisions, he explained: “If somebody had to tell the story of Jayson Tatum, you couldn’t tell it without St Louis and Boston.” 
Sitting beside Tatum, Brandy Cole reflected on how long he has envisioned and manifested a signature shoe.
“Ever since he was three, he started making a list of all the things that he wanted to accomplish, things he wanted to check off his list — and the signature shoe was always on there,” Cole said. “So, getting to watch him put in the work in the process, and enjoy the process, and really put his stamp on all the shoes — it’s wonderful.”
On release day, Tatum surprised fans at a store in Toronto, where the Celtics played were for a preseason game. But, the following day, he got to celebrate the shoe in front of fans in Boston, an experience that felt especially meaningful given the star’s growing connection to the city.
“The expectations here are different,” Tatum said of the city of Boston. Whether it’s a preseason game, league pass game, or whether it’s the Finals, every game is sold out. The fans here truly appreciate good basketball, and they respect what we do. It’s a privilege to go out there and put that uniform on and compete — not only for yourself, but for the people that came before you, and for all the fans in Boston.”
<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Tatum reflects on what’s next post-injury </h4>
In May, Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon in a playoff game against the New York Knicks, immediately ending his season and threatening his availability for the entirety of the upcoming one. 
He’s been transparent about how difficult those first few days were — “I remember telling my mom, ‘I might be done,” he told People Magazine. 
But in recent weeks, he’s shared his progress, first showcasing his improved <a href="https://x.com/CelticsCLNS/status/1972148022823080232">mobility on the court</a> on his YouTube channel, and most recently, sharing a video of a recent dunk on X. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Must be the shoes 👀🔥 <a href="https://t.co/SQsxrWDAkX">pic.twitter.com/SQsxrWDAkX</a>— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaytatum0/status/1976359803707670872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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“This moment kind of allowed myself to be honest and vulnerable,” Tatum said. “A lot of times, people will see their favorite athlete and see them as superheroes. And a lot of times, we do amazing things, but we’re human, and we go through real-life situations. And I think this is me being honest about what I’m going through.”
Tatum knows the Achilles injury — and subsequent recovery — is now a major part of his story. In his first 8 seasons with the Celtics, he earned six All-Star appearances and four First Team All-NBA appearances, while leading the Celtics to five Eastern Conference Finals, two Finals, and one championship. 
“The first eight years were unbelievable, amazing, accomplished some incredible things,” he said. “I think now is just — not a turning point, but just a different stage in my life. And, accepting that what happened to me, it did happen, and not necessarily letting it define you in a negative way. It’s just an opportunity to show people what you’re going through, and let people know that I won’t be the same — I’m gonna come back and be better.”
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Jayson Tatum on processing his Achilles rupture: “It’s just an opportunity to show people what you’re going through, and letting people know that I won’t be the same.” “I’m gonna come back and be better.” <a href="https://t.co/yDlMIPHEPf">pic.twitter.com/yDlMIPHEPf</a>— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1977138319772225780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The journey to come back better began in May. Tatum had surgery to repair the torn Achilles the morning after the injury in New York City, and subsequently moved back into his mom’s house.
Then, he spent all summer at the Auerbach Center. 
Last month, Tatum told numerous media outlets that he hasn’t ruled out a return this season — and that he’s circled a date on the calendar that he hopes to be cleared by in order to make his TD Garden return: “I haven’t said I’m not playing this season… I don’t go to rehab 6 days a week for nothing.” 
Since Media Day, Celtics players have gushed about the star’s commitment to his rehab, and at the shoe launch, his mother recalled how quickly Tatum got right back to work. 
“By day three, he was going to the facility every day and putting in five, six hours’ worth of work and coming back,” Cole said. “And I just tried to be as supportive as possible and encourage him, and just remind him who he is, who he’s destined to be, and that this is just part of the process. It doesn’t define him. And like he said, that he’ll be back and better than ever.”
Whether Tatum laces up this season remains to be seen. It’s evident that it remains a short-term goal.
But the Celtics star made clear that he’s working toward bringing another banner to Boston, regardless of when that is. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">At his shoe launch, Jayson Tatum was asked by <a href="https://twitter.com/GreydyDiaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GreydyDiaz</a> about his favorite moments from the past 5 years in Boston: “It’s not even a question. I got two kids. I got drafted. And the parade was the best day of my life.” “And I promise you we’re going to have another one.” <a href="https://t.co/vKLF6aYWEf">pic.twitter.com/vKLF6aYWEf</a>— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1977132321930088605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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And, when asked to name a favorite moment from his Boston tenure, he broke into a grin.
“It’s not even a question,” Tatum said. “I have two kids. I got drafted. The best day of my life was the parade. The best day of my life.“
“And I promise we’re going to do it again.”




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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Bill Sy</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Ten takeaways: fast and furious Celtics debut at TD Garden]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122584/ten-takeaways-celtics-cavaliers" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122584</id>
<updated>2025-10-12T23:15:09-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-13T05:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Articles" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics Analysis" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Celtics crushed the Cavaliers 138-107 on Sunday night and are looking more and more like the team they said they would be on Media Day. Here are ten takeaways from Boston’s blowout: Mazzulla Ball is alive and well For three seasons (pun intended), the Celtics could consistently rely on the three-point margin to win […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.celticsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/10/imagn-27310781.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" />
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<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-scores-results/122623/122623-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers-cavs-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-joe-mazzulla-payton-pritchard">The Celtics crushed the Cavaliers 138-107 on Sunday night</a> and are looking more and more like the team they said they would be on Media Day. Here are ten takeaways from Boston’s blowout:
Mazzulla Ball is alive and well
For three seasons (pun intended), the Celtics could consistently rely on the three-point margin to win games. After three preseason games, it doesn’t look like that will necessarily change. After shooting 53 threes in Memphis and 38 more against the Raptors, Boston went 18-of-45 from behind the arc in their home opener against the Cavaliers. That’s 45.3 per game, a shade under their 48.2 pace that led the league last year.
Did we just see the Opening Night starting lineup?
<a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977498188333359396">Ultra small starting 5</a> with Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Chris Boucher, but it’s arguably the quickest fivesome Joe Mazzulla can field and the closest facsimile to how they played last year with shooting at all five positions.
Admittedly, he’s stressed not to read into any of his lineups in training camp, but we’ve seen a bit of everything from Mazzulla so far. He’s also gone with two bigs in Boucher and Xavier Tillman Sr. against the Grizzlies and Neemias Queta in Toronto.
Start up that “Payton Pritchard to the All-Star Game” campaign
That early five-out spacing allowed for the Celtics’ best one-on-one player, Payton Pritchard — yes, Payton Pritchard — to go to work. He treated his defenders like the friends he pays to defend him in summer workouts. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Nasty work 🤧 <a href="https://t.co/k0G6UOp3SI">pic.twitter.com/k0G6UOp3SI</a>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977514867566272687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Pritchard finished the first quarter with 12 points (5-of-6 from the field) and the game with 14 (2-of-5 from 3). Nothing is official just yet, but it certainly looks like he’ll be in the starting five on October 22nd when the team hosts the 76ers in the season opener.
Practice what you preach
So far, Boston has leaned into playing faster on both sides of the ball. Heading into their matchup against the Eastern Conference contender, the Celtics were averaging 103 possessions per game; that’s up from 96.59 last year. That may not be a good measure of the team’s new identity though.
“Playing fast doesn’t mean playing reckless. It doesn’t mean not being structured or unorganized,” Mazzulla said pre-game. “It means getting to your spacing fast, bringing the ball up the floor fast, reading the defense fast, driving the ball fast…it’s all about playing to the identity that we’re trying to create as a team.”
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Before the game, Mazzulla talked about getting into their spacing and actions early. Late in the first quarter, the Celtics generated two three-pointers — one off a made basket — by starting their offense with only a few ticks off the shot clock. <a href="https://t.co/aMApKrLsPy">pic.twitter.com/aMApKrLsPy</a>— Bill Sy (@deliberatepix) <a href="https://twitter.com/deliberatepix/status/1977561444708487380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Mazzulla has stressed that basketball is just all about creating 2-on-1s and 3-on-2s. After years finding favorable mismatches as killer whales, this version of the Celtics acts more like a school of piranhas, churning defensive waters with quick decisions and constant movement and letting everybody eat.
Rebounding remains an issue 
Last season, Boston was one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the league and were just about league average in offensive rebounding. However, flipping that script could be a point of emphasis in 2025-2026. In their first two preseason games, the Celtics gave up 34 second chance points to opponents. The good news is, they’ve scored 44 crashing the offensive glass.
The Cavaliers didn’t have Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen last night, so their 23 points off offensive rebounds can be taken with a grain of preseason salt.
Defense to offense
Last season, the Thunder fueled their championship run with an aggressive, albeit handsy defense that led the NBA in points off turnovers at 21.8 a night. After scoring 53 points of TOs against the Grizzlies and Thunder, the Celtics had a whopping 39 on Sunday.
“We definitely want to take more risk and be more aggressive defensively,” Pritchard said before the tip. “This is the preseason to learn that and trying to build those habits of when’s the right time and when’s the wrong time.”
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Defense ➡️ Offense <a href="https://t.co/HfoOcCRz9A">pic.twitter.com/HfoOcCRz9A</a>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977523714846568487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Jaylen Brown steal. Jaylen Brown slam. Showing off his two-way impact on ESPN 👀 <a href="https://t.co/c3WqjJLE0W">pic.twitter.com/c3WqjJLE0W</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1977527096441270711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Tommy would be so proud.
Anfernee Simons off the ball
“A great scorer, can really score it, can really shoot it, definitely a very explosive athlete. He’ll definitely help us a lot,” Pritchard said of his new teammate, Anfernee Simons.
In his debut on Friday, Simons admitted that he was a little nervous and still feeling out the game as he gets acclimated with a new system and teammates. As a primary scorer in Portland, Simons shot nearly a career-low 42.6% from the field. He’ll get some similar opportunities with the ball in his hands to start offensive possessions, especially if he’s coming off the bench as a sixth man with the second unit. 
But throughout training camp, he’s talked about the privilege of playing off Pritchard, Brown, and White and getting some easier looks.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Simons showing the 3pt versatility tonight. 3/3 with the first two being off the dribble step backs. Now is able to play off of JB and knocks one down off the catch <a href="https://t.co/jTeK07rKbg">pic.twitter.com/jTeK07rKbg</a>— NikNBA🏀 (@NIKNBAYT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NIKNBAYT/status/1977523847143604644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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His first two buckets came off crafty sidestep threes, but his next four baskets were all assisted as he worked on the perimeter as a release valve.
Centers
Before the game, Tillman Sr. said that he and the other centers don’t really see it as a competition for playing time and through three games, there doesn’t seem to be any distinction between Boston’s big men. They’re all fairly good screeners. Tillman and Garza have taken threes with X making one, but even their willingness to shoot them hasn’t separated one from the other. Queta, the pre-preseason favorite to gobble up those minutes, has played the fewest so far and in that limited playing time, he’s looked uncertain at best with nearly as many turnovers as rebounds.
This parking space is reserved for Josh Minott
Josh might permanently need a space carved out in our 10 Takeaways called “What Did Josh Minott Do Today?” Every game so far, he does something eye-opening.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Josh Minott my lord <a href="https://t.co/43L5ZMHoq8">pic.twitter.com/43L5ZMHoq8</a>— NikNBA🏀 (@NIKNBAYT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NIKNBAYT/status/1977543096633307640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He finished the game with 16 points and six rebounds and has been a +29 so far.
Wendell. Moore. Jr.
Here’s the cherry on your Sunday night.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">OH MY WENDELL MOORE JR. 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/AQS55PddKj">pic.twitter.com/AQS55PddKj</a>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977552974835520000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/121844/celtics-sign-former-duke-standout-finalizing-training-camp-roster">Moore signed an Exhibit 10 contract</a> with the Celtics to finalize their training camp roster after spending last year with the Charlotte Hornets’ G League affiliate. Before that, he was with Minott and Garza in Minnesota. Loud dunks in the preseason will quickly fade out, but hopefully he can make some noise in Maine.
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Gio Rivera</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Anfernee Simons felt right at home in Celtics’ win over Cavaliers]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122644/anfernee-simons-felt-right-at-home-in-celtics-win-over-cavaliers" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122644</id>
<updated>2025-10-13T08:04:12-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-13T05:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Articles" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics News" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[For most players around the league, playing at TD Garden is a draining trip on the season’s calendar — a rough, unwelcoming environment built to throw anyone off their game on any given night. But for Anfernee Simons, stepping onto Boston’s parquet floor is something he’s always looked forward to. Simons, the premier offseason addition […]]]></summary>
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For most players around the league, playing at TD Garden is a draining trip on the season’s calendar — a rough, unwelcoming environment built to throw anyone off their game on any given night. But for Anfernee Simons, stepping onto Boston’s parquet floor is something he’s always looked forward to.
Simons, the premier offseason addition made by the Celtics, took the floor beneath 18 championship banners for the first time, donning his new green and white threads. He didn’t make the start, but the 26-year-old still logged enough time on the floor for Simons to shine as the Celtics hosted the Cavaliers for their third matchup of the preseason. It was a true Boston welcome for Simons, one that sparked an impressive performance on Sunday night that spoke volumes about what Simons could bring to the table this season.
Playing behind Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s starting lineup of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Chris Boucher, Simons showcased a natural ability to play Mazzulla Ball. He <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401812707">scored a game-high 21 points</a>, shooting 6-of-9 from three with a pair of rebounds, assists, and a steal through 25 minutes off the bench to make himself at home before Simons approaches the 82-game grind of the regular season in nine days.
“Every time I came to play here, I enjoyed the environment and obviously, the fans are top-level fans,” Simons said following <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-scores-results/122623/122623-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers-cavs-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-joe-mazzulla-payton-pritchard">Boston’s 138-107 win over Cleveland</a>. “So it’s always been an arena that I looked forward to playing in, and I always thought it was a good shooting gym for me. So I feel like it’s the same thing — great shooting gym, for sure.”
The shots Simons attempted from beyond the arc weren’t usual catch-and-shoot open looks. Simons was crafty with the dribble, challenging Cleveland’s defenders at the perimeter before launching off-balanced, step-back threes confidently to impose his offensive dominance. Simons didn’t play like a bench player; he brought a starter’s presence off the bench, strengthening Boston’s depth and adding a dimension that made it even harder for Cleveland’s defense to contain the Celtics enough to compete.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Simon(s) says hit a three 👌🏽 <a href="https://t.co/kVmM6CgVa2">pic.twitter.com/kVmM6CgVa2</a>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977519165524082767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Simons had to adjust not only to playing in a new setting with new teammates and in a new conference, but also to doing all of the above in a role different from what Simons had previously embraced with the Trail Blazers. 
“At first, I was kind of overthinking it, but once I got out there, I felt a little more comfortable,” Simons explained. “Obviously, when you’ve been starting for however many years now, you’re changing the routine you’ve built over the past couple of years. But I think those early years coming off the bench really helped me in trying to understand coming off the bench and the rhythm, and just the preparation. But it was good.” 
Celtics fans were engaged from the jump. <a href="https://x.com/CelticsCLNS/status/1977532047770984678">Mark Wahlberg appeared</a> to film a scene for his next blockbuster, Boston bounced back from Friday’s loss to the Raptors, and Simons got a firsthand taste of what it’s like to thrive in one of the league’s most intense sports markets.
It took just 25 minutes and six shot attempts for Simons to fill TD Garden with a sense of hope for how the season could play out for the (counted out) Celtics, despite Jayson Tatum’s absence. Simons also set a standard for himself that, if maintained, could make it hard for the front office to justify not keeping him for years to come.
For the time being, Simons is ready to embrace whatever role the Celtics deem fit and conducive for racking up as many trips to the win column as possible. Coming off the bench isn’t anything new, and the previous seven seasons of Simons’ career, if anything, have prepared him for his latest chapter, now in Boston. 
“Early in my career, when I came off the bench, I just tried to understand the flow of the game,” Simons said. “What we felt like we needed or what we needed when I came into the game. At first, it was difficult. Obviously, coming in, trying to find our rhythm offensively, not having been playing this whole time. So, just feeling out how the game is being played. You get to get a snapshot before you go in of how the defense is playing certain players, and you might get the same coverage. So, you kind of get a good idea of how the team’s going to play.”
Simons and the Celtics will next take on the Raptors for their preseason finale before pivoting to the regular season next Wednesday night. 
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Noa Dalzell</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Josh Minott has never experienced this before]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122649/josh-minott-has-never-experienced-this-before" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122649</id>
<updated>2025-10-13T02:01:14-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-13T02:01:14-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Articles" /><category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics News" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[BOSTON — In his Celtics debut at TD Garden, Josh Minott slammed home a windmill dunk and got fouled on a three-point attempt. All in about 30 seconds. In turn, Minott finished his first home game as a Celtic with 16 points, 6 rebounds, an assist, and a block, impacting the game in a variety […]]]></summary>
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BOSTON — In his Celtics debut at TD Garden, <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/122351/joe-mazzulla-on-josh-minott-he-has-a-knack-for-the-ball-and-just-being-in-the-mix">Josh Minott</a> slammed home a windmill dunk and got fouled on a three-point attempt. 
All in about 30 seconds. 
In turn, Minott finished his first home game as a Celtic with 16 points, 6 rebounds, an assist, and a block, impacting the game in a variety of ways in his 23 minutes of action. 
And, he did it all in front of a home crowd that he proclaimed was the best preseason crowd he’s ever played in front of. 
“It was surreal,” Minott told CelticsBlog after the 138-107 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. 
The Celtics’ preseason home opener came on the heels of a two-game road trip that included stops in Memphis and Toronto; Memphis’s FedEx Forum was strikingly empty, while the ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto was undoubtedly rowdier, particularly as the Raptors mounted a comeback. 
But, neither arena rivaled TD Garden’s — nor did Minott’s previous preseason stops through his three-year NBA tenure. 
“I feel like all across the league, fans aren’t really at these games, or putting any importance on them,” Minott said. “It’s usually just scattered around people, die-hard fans. But here it’s just like, man. The whole city, it just seems like everybody’s a die-hard fan.”
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Josh Minott has been a standout through preseason so far</h3>
On Sunday, the 22-year-old continued his strong preseason play, hitting 5 of 9 field goal attempts off the bench. 
After his fourth quarter and-one three-pointer, Minott shot back to his feet and immediately struck a celebratory pose, drawing a chuckle from <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/2025/4/17/24402671/baylor-scheierman-boston-celtics-mom-creighton-nba-draft">Baylor Scheierman</a>, who found him on the wing for the shot. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Josh Minott is on a hell of a run here Hits the pose after the and-one three <a href="https://t.co/9YfLWZrGYJ">pic.twitter.com/9YfLWZrGYJ</a>— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoaDalzell/status/1977542894035861979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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“The crowd might have to chill out,” Minott said. “Because I was feeling invincible.” 
Throughout training camp, Minott — who signed a two-year, minimum contract with the Celtics — earned praise from his teammates. 
“He definitely comes in with that excitement, that joy — and he’s one of those guys that is just excited for his opportunity,” said <a href="/">Derrick White</a>. “And he can do a lot of different things out there on court, and guards multiple positions, and just kind of be a pest out there. And so he’s been great for us this whole preseason. He’s just always listening, learning, wants to just keep getting better and show what he can do.”
Minott has put together three strong performances through the preseason so far. 
But on Sunday, there was an extra pep in his step. 
It might have had something to do with Boston’s special basketball environment. 
“I was just feeding off the energy,” he said. “Just to have that home atmosphere here, it’s just real welcoming. There’s nothing like it.” 




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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Jack Anderson</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Celtics smoke shorthanded Cavaliers, 138-107]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-scores-results/122623/122623-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers-cavs-jaylen-brown-derrick-white-joe-mazzulla-payton-pritchard" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122623</id>
<updated>2025-10-12T21:55:50-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-12T21:55:50-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics Scores" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Anfernee Simons made his home debut and showed out for the TD Garden crowd with the Celtics defeating the very shorthanded Cavaliers, 138-107. With Max Strus and Darius Garland already out due to injury, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball joined them in street clothes. Cleveland started Craig Porter Jr., […]]]></summary>
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Anfernee Simons made his home debut and showed out for the TD Garden crowd with the Celtics defeating the very shorthanded Cavaliers, 138-107.
With Max Strus and Darius Garland already out due to injury, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball joined them in street clothes. Cleveland started Craig Porter Jr., Tyrese Proctor, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade and Larry Nance Jr. For the Celtics, it was a ‘dress rehearsal’ of sorts; Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Chris Boucher started for Boston.
The Celtics jumped out to a quick lead led by Payton Pritchard, who scored 12 of their first 16 points. Joe Mazzulla went to his bench quickly with Luka Garza and Josh Minott entering the game. Mazzulla, however, quickly pulled Garza and put Xavier Tillman in the game. Boston used 12 players in the first 13 minutes of the game. That is something to keep an eye on as we enter the regular season.
The C’s led the Cavs 33-17 after one quarter. Pritchard led Boston in scoring with 12 and Derrick White behind him with 7 points.
Anfrenee Simons hit a tough step back 3 and one to start the 2nd quarter. The Celtics moved the ball well — a nice back door cut led to a Hugo Gonzalez layup and swinging the ball allowed for Neemias Queta to get an open dunk. Chris Boucher hit a pair of threes near the end of the 2nd quarter to put the Celtics up 24.
Jaylen’s playmaking really stood out in the first half. He had 5 assists in the half and looks like he is ready to take the playmaking leap Boston needs him to take.
The Celtics scored 70 first half points, shooting 62% from the field and led Cleveland’s backups, 70-46.
As previously mentioned, the Celtics substituted a lot in throughout the game. One example of this was Brown checked out at the 8:44 mark in the third quarter before checking back in a minute and a half later, at the 7:14 mark.
Baylor Scheierman made a nice play when hit a really deep three-pointer during the third quarter.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Belo from deep 👌🏻 <a href="https://t.co/5kRNmhrTbt">pic.twitter.com/5kRNmhrTbt</a>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977539819669459351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
Josh Minott concluded the third quarter for Boston with a steal and a windmill dunk. Boston led the game 102-73 entering the 4th quarter. Anfernee Simons led the team in scoring to that point with 18 points off of the bench. Simons can really shoot the ball, making 5 of his first 6 three-point attempts. One of the fun things about the game was seeing him take and make threes while spacing off of Brown, White and Pritchard.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Why not a windmill 😤 <a href="https://t.co/y58SOI45YF">pic.twitter.com/y58SOI45YF</a>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1977543785362985395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
The Celtics offense was humming throughout the game. White, Hauser, Pritchard and Simons all scored in double figures while Jaylen Brown had 8 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds for the game.
The Celtics shot 54% from the field and 40% from three while holding the Cavaliers to 35% from the field and 20% from three. Boston closes out the preseason on Wednesday at home in a rematch against the Toronto Raptors at 7:30 EST.
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Shirley Coshatt</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) at Boston Celtics (1-1) Preseason Game #3 10/12/25]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-game-previews/122588/cleveland-cavaliers-0-2-at-boston-celtics-1-1-preseason-game-3-10-12-25" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122588</id>
<updated>2025-10-11T22:46:47-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-12T16:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Celtics Game Previews" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) at Boston Celtics (1-1)Sunday, October 12, 20257:00 PM ETPreseason Game#3 Home Game #1TV: ESPN, NBCSB, FDSNRadio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WTAM/WMMS, Sirius XMTD Garden The Celtics return home to continue their preseason with a visit from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics are 1-1 after a win over the Grizzlies and a loss to […]]]></summary>
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Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) at Boston Celtics (1-1) Sunday, October 12, 2025 7:00 PM ET Preseason Game#3 Home Game #1 TV: ESPN, NBCSB, FDSN Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WTAM/WMMS, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics return home to continue their preseason with a visit from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics are 1-1 after a win over the Grizzlies and a loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Cavaliers are 0-2 after losing 2 games to the Chicago Bulls. This is the third of 4 preseason games for both of these teams.
The Cavs won 64 games last season to finish 1st in the East and 2nd in the league, behind only the Champion Thunder. However, their success didn’t follow from the preseason. They went winless last preseason and their last preseason win was in 2023. Over the past 4 preseasons, they have won just 2 preseason games.
The Celtics are split about evenly between returning and new players. They have 9 returning players and 8 new players on the team this season. Gone are Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet. New players include Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, Chris Boucher, Hugo Gonzalez, Max Shulga, and Amari Williams. RJ Lewis, and Luka Garza. Learning each other’s tendencies and building chemistry will be important in this preseason.
While the Celtics are a considerably different team this season, the Cavaliers core remains the same as last season. They traded Isaac Okoro to the Bulls for Lonzo Ball. They drafted Tyrese Proctor with the 49th pick in the draft. They signed Larry Nance, Jr. as a free agent out of Atlanta. Nance was also with the Cavaliers from 2017 through 2021. They also signed Thomas Bryant as a free agent from the Pacers. They also lost Ty Jerome as a free agent.
The Celtics have talked about war-like practices. Several players and coaches have said that this has been the hardest training camp that they have been a part of. They have vowed to play fast and hard this season. They backed up that vow in their first game against the Grizzlies and for the most part during the second game while they built a 26 point lead against the Raptors. They took their foot off the gas, however and lost the lead and the game in the 2nd half.
I’m 100% guessing at the Celtics’ starting lineup. They sat Pritchard, Simons and Queta in the first game. They sat Brown, White and Hauser in the second game. I’m thinking that at some time they are going to have to start Pritchard, White and Brown together. I’m also thinking that they may reward Boucher and Garza for their good play in the first two games and start them also. I’ve included Cleveland’s starters from their game notes. As always, it’s hard to tell if the coaches will start a normal starting lineup or start all the Exhibit 10 players.
Jayson Tatum will once again sit out this game due to the torn Achilles. However he has fans excited after dunking recently, just 5 months after his surgery. Jordan Walsh is questionable after leaving Wednesday’s game with a groin injury. For the Cavaliers, Darius Garland is out with a toe injury and is expected to be out until November. Max Strus is expected to be out until December with a foot injury.
Possible Starting Matchups Point Guard: Payton Pritchard vs Donovan Mitchell 
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<img src="https://platform.celticsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/10/imagn-27270306.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.0060060060060039,100,99.987987987988" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /></figure>
Shooting Guard: Derrick White vs Jaylon Tyson 
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><img src="https://platform.celticsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/10/imagn-25976086.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.73780487804878,0,98.524390243902,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
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Small Forward: Jaylen Brown vs De’Andre Hunter 
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Power Forward: Chris Boucher vs Evan Mobley 
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Center: Luka Garza vs Jarrett Allen 
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<img src="https://platform.celticsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/10/imagn-27269458.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.0073453797561385,100,99.985309240488" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /></figure>
 Celtics Reserves Anfernee Simons Josh Minott Wendell Moore, Jr Kendall Brown Ron Harper, Jr Jalen Bridges Xavier Tillman Hugo Gonzalez Neemias Queta Baylor Scheierman
2-Way Players RJ Luis, Jr Max Shulga Amari Williams
Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Jordan Walsh (groin) questionable
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Cavaliers Reserves Lonzo Ball Thomas Bryant Tristan Enaruna Killian Hayes Chaney Johnson Miller Kopp Sam Merrill Larry Nance, Jr. Norchad Omier Craig Porter, Jr Tyrese Proctor Dean Wade 2-Way Players Nae’Qwan Tomlin Luke Travers Injuries/Out Max Strus (foot) out Darius Garland (toe)  out
Head Coach Kenny Atkinson Key Matchups 
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<img src="https://platform.celticsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/10/imagn-26137853.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.058639562157929,0,99.882720875684,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /></figure>
Payton Pritchard vs Donovan Mitchell Mitchell is the leader of the Cavs and is rumored to be in the MVP discussion this season. Over the first 2 preseason games, he averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. If he plays, it will probably be for limited minutes but expect him to give the Celtics problems while he is in there.
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<img src="https://platform.celticsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/10/imagn-27269454.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /></figure>
Jaylen Brown vs De’Andre Hunter Since Brown sat out last game, I’m assuming that he will be back in the starting lineup for this game and will have a big game. De’Andre Hunter has played well so far and averaged 18.5 points 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1 steal and 1 block per game. This will be a good match up if both players do indeed play. Honorable Mention Chris Boucher vs Evan Mobley Mobley has always played well against the Celtics. In the two preseason games so far, he averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 steas and 1 block. Chris Boucher has started both games so far for the Celtics and he has played very well. I’m guessing that he starts once again in this game.
Keys to the Game Defense – Whether it is Summer League, Preseason, Regular Season, or Playoffs,  defense will always be the key to winning.  In the preseason so far, the Celtics are ranked 7th with a defensive rating of 101.9 while the Cavs are ranked 17th with a defensive rating of 107.7.  The Celtics have vowed to emphasize defense this season and they showed that they plan to follow through on it for the most part.  They need to continue to play tough lock down defense in every game.
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning every game.  The Celtics are 12th in the preseason, averaging 49 rebounds over the 2 games so far.  The Cavd are ranked 31st, averaging 32 rebounds over their first 2 games.  The Celtics will need to rebound as a team with players crashing the boards from every position.  The Celtics can’t score without the ball and rebounding is a great way to get the ball and to get extra possessions. Take Care of the Ball – The Celtics had just 13 turnovers in their first game against the Grizzlies,  but they turned the ball over 29 times in their second game against the Raptors, most coming from the end of the bench guys who closed the game out.  The Celtics have to do a better job of handling the ball and making crisp passes.  They aren’t going to win many games if they continue to cough up 29 turnovers per game.
X-Factors Chemistry and Home Court- This is the 3rd game in the preseason for both of these teams.  The Celtics have played two road games so far and this is their first home game and hearing the crowd behind them for the first time this season is bound to give them some extra energy.  The Cavs have played one game at home and one on the road but lost both games.  With all the new faces on the Celtics, they need to continue to build chemistry While the Cavs should already have chemistry with all the returning players.
Preseason – The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays.  Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. I expect that Joe will play a different rotation than he did in the first two games and hopefully they will play well together. 
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</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Shirley Coshatt</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/12/25]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/122585/boston-celtics-daily-links-10-12-25" />
<id>https://www.celticsblog.com/?p=122585</id>
<updated>2025-10-12T15:48:20-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-10-12T15:48:20-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.celticsblog.com" term="Boston Celtics Daily Links" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Globe Celtics’ Chris Boucher carves out a role protecting his teammates and providing a veteran presence on a young team NESN Jayson Tatum Makes Bold Championship Guarantee Before 2025-26 Season Anfernee Simons Dishes On Making Celtics Debut In Preseason Loss To Raptors Celtics Wire Xavier Tillman on learning from Boucher’s example at the 4 for […]]]></summary>
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Globe <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/11/sports/chris-boucher-celtics-veteran-and-protector/"> Celtics’ Chris Boucher carves out a role protecting his teammates and providing a veteran presence on a young team</a>
NESN <a href="https://nesn.com/2025/10/jayson-tatum-bold-championship-guarantee-2025-26-season/"> Jayson Tatum Makes Bold Championship Guarantee Before 2025-26 Season</a>
<a href="https://nesn.com/2025/10/anfernee-simons-dishes-celtics-debut-preseason-loss-raptors/">Anfernee Simons Dishes On Making Celtics Debut In Preseason Loss To Raptors</a>
 Celtics Wire <a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/12/xavier-tillman-on-learning-from-bouchers-example-at-the-4-for-celtics/86660858007/">Xavier Tillman on learning from Boucher’s example at the 4 for Celtics</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/12/celtics-jersey-history-no-40-rick-brunson-2000/86575667007/">Celtics jersey history No. 40 – Rick Brunson (2000)</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/12/celtics-history-larry-birds-debut-first-ever-nba-3-pointer/86576293007/">Today in Boston Celtics history: Larry Bird’s debut; first-ever NBA 3-pointer</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/11/mazzulla-boucher-on-what-they-see-in-celtics-rookie-hugo-gonzalez/86652369007/">Joe Mazzulla, Chris Boucher on what they see in Boston Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez so far</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/11/anfernee-simons-on-his-impression-of-celtics-coach-joe-mazzulla-so-far/86651037007/">Anfernee Simons on his impression of Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla so far</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/11/chris-boucher-on-how-he-approached-his-return-to-toronto-with-celtics/86649925007/">Chris Boucher on how he approached his return to Toronto with Celtics</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/11/should-queta-attempt-3s-during-the-upcoming-celtics-season/86649559007/">Should Queta attempt 3s during the upcoming Celtics season?</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/11/is-sam-hauser-at-risk-of-being-traded-by-the-celtics/86649751007/">Is Sam Hauser at risk of being traded by the Celtics?</a>
<a href="https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2025/10/11/is-the-starting-center-debate-open-after-the-celtics-loss-to-the-raps/86647326007/">Is the starting center debate open after the Celtics loss to the Raps?</a>
Hardwood Houdini <a href="https://hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-fans-now-have-another-reason-to-love-new-forward-josh-minott"> Celtics fans now have another reason to love their new forward</a>
Chowder and Champions <a href="https://chowderandchampions.com/last-remaining-celtics-free-agent-absence-felt-2025-26-01k78dgkaad8">Last Remaining Celtics Free Agent’s Absence Will Be Felt in 2025-26</a>
CLNS Media/YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DblTlkAaClI">Payton Pritchard Explains Why Celtics DIDN’T Play Fast Before | Pregame Interview</a>
The Chronicle <a href="https://dukechronicle.com/article/duke-mens-basketball-jayson-tatum-brotherhood-feature-chief-basketball-officer-scheyer-brown-young-carrawell-20251011">‘The power of The Brotherhood’: Jayson Tatum’s bond with Duke runs deeper than his new title</a>
Hoops Rumors <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/10/celtics-notes-boucher-gonzalez-simons-scheierman.html">Celtics Notes: Boucher, Gonzalez, Simons, Scheierman</a>
Essentially Sports <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-jayson-tatum-urged-to-avoid-catastrophic-mistake-after-boston-celtics-star-sends-clear-message-to-front-office/">Jayson Tatum Urged to Avoid Catastrophic Mistake After Celtics Star Sends Clear Message to Front Office</a>
<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-tyrese-haliburton-issues-injury-update-that-is-much-different-from-jayson-tatum/">Tyrese Haliburton Issues Injury Update That Is Much Different From Jayson Tatum</a>
SI .com <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/news/celtics-joe-mazzulla-addresses-jayson-tatums-recovery-process-after-viral-dunk-video">Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Addresses Jayson Tatum’s Recovery Process After Viral Dunk Video</a>
<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/suns/news/nba-champ-reveals-he-rejected-phoenix-suns-offer-before-draft">NBA Champ Reveals He Rejected Suns Offer Before Draft</a>
<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/news/clear-favorite-has-emerged-in-celtics-starting-big-man-competition">Clear Favorite Has Emerged in Celtics’ Starting Big Man Competition</a>
The Sporting News <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/boston-celtics/news/celtics-chris-boucher-hugo-gonzalez-big-updates-battle-lineup-roles-boston/c3bb0b8128851b46204aea58">Celtics’ Chris Boucher, Hugo Gonzalez get big updates in battle for lineup roles in Boston</a>
<a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/boston-celtics/news/celtics-may-cut-ties-100-million-scorer-6-foot-8-wing-salary-dump-trade/afbb4b107e20dc25b619dff3">Celtics may cut ties with $100 million scorer, 6-foot-8 NBA champion via salary-dump trade</a>
Fear the Sword <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-game-previews/39200/how-to-watch-cavs-boston-celtics-nba-preseason-cleveland-cavaliers"> How to watch Cavs at Celtics NBA preseason game</a>
Fan Recap <a href="https://fanrecap.com/boston-celtics/celtics-lose-key-free-agent-as-roster-takes-final-shape--8scGf">Celtics Lose Key Free Agent as Roster Takes Final Shape</a>
Hoops Habit <a href="https://hoopshabit.com/bill-simmons-says-quiet-part-out-loud-about-celtics-secret-weapon?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=04d87d2cc005a85f11bb84225bbe964032a27475096e6fa8deac04dad6f701c5">Bill Simmons says the quiet part out loud about Celtics’ secret weapon</a>
Cavaliers .com <a href="https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/preview-clebos-251012">Cavs at Celtics, Preseason Game Three | Rocket Game Preview</a>
Hoops Wire <a href="https://hoopswire.com/nba-notes-cavs-lonzo-ball-celtics-anfernee-simons-rockets/">NBA Notes: Cavs, Lonzo Ball, Celtics, Anfernee Simons, Rockets</a>
The Score <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/3331593"> Securing the bag: 6 NBA players vying for big free-agent deals</a>
NBA Analysis <a href="https://nbaanalysis.net/nba-expert-wants-jayson-tatums-inner-circle-to-make-smart-decision-amid-achilles-injury-recovery/">NBA expert wants Jayson Tatum’s inner circle to make ‘smart’ decision amid Achilles injury recovery</a>

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