With the Celtics down multiple starters on Monday, the hosts deployed a first unit featuring Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the backcourt, with Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet comprising the frontcourt.
Porzingis, returning after a five-game absence due to a right hamstring strain, generated eight points, including burying a pair of threes, in an opening shift that lasted 12 seconds beyond the midway mark in the period. He also grabbed five rebounds.
Derrick White, who assisted on the seven-foot-three center’s makes from beyond the arc, dished out five helpers in the first frame. He also converted on 3/6 shots, matching Jaden Ivey and Malachi Flynn for the most points in the first quarter, with eight.
Eight players received playing time in the first 12 minutes for Boston, as Joe Mazzulla balanced his team being shorthanded, with this being Porzingis’ first game back and the second night of a back-to-back.
When Xavier Tillman, one of the hosts’ first subs of the evening, got his opportunity, he quickly impressed on defense, demonstrating his versatility at that end, walling off drives from faster perimeter players.
His ability to do so has helped him acclimate to the Celtics’ system on defense and will especially prove valuable in the playoffs.
After taking a 31-28 edge into the second quarter, the energy the hosts played with helped them build a double-digit advantage.
