BOSTON — The Celtics core knows all about the playoffs after nearly-routine deep runs this decade. But after transforming their roster last summer, the C’s now feature guys in the rotation who are new to playing consequential playoff minutes.
The Celtics got positive contributions in doses from their reserves following their blowout Game 1 victory over the Sixers on Sunday at TD Garden. Jordan Walsh, Luka Garza and Baylor Scheierman all played well in some form to the victory, though there are playoff battles ahead.
“It shows great professionalism and maturity, and it also shows that it’s not any different,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said of the reserves. “You have to offensive rebound in the regular season. You have to sprint to get a transition layup, you have to defend without fouling and you have to know your personnel. You have to do all the things that you can control, and it’s a credit to those guys being ready to do that.”
It was a mixed bag for Neemias Queta, who got his first career playoff start Sunday. While he finished with 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting, he couldn’t stay on the court due to foul trouble. While the C’s overwhelmed the Sixers on Sunday, they’re going to need Queta to stay on the court consistently going forward.
Foul trouble was rampant Sunday, which also affected Nikola Vucevic. That pushed Garza into getting spot minutes, and he made the most of it. Right after checking into the game, Garza grabbed an offensive rebound — just like he did all season — then drew a foul. Considering he’s the third big man option, that’s a big plus for the C’s.
“That’s kind of been our MO all year,” Sam Hauser said. “I feel like every night it could be someone else’s night and we’re all here for that. And I think in the playoffs roles are really defined. It’s just more of just starring in your role. What can I do on the floor to help our team be successful? I think everyone really bought in.”
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Walsh and Scheierman also made their mark on the game. Walsh will get the defensive assignment to guard All-Star Tyrese Maxey this series. Scheierman’s impact was felt even though he didn’t play heavy minutes with five points and two rebounds. The lights didn’t seem too bright for either guy, though it wasn’t the toughest test Sunday.
The Celtics entered the playoffs as a potential East favorite. They have a strong core featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Hauser, all of whom know what it takes to win in the playoffs. But how the reserves played was a question mark going into the playoffs. It was a solid showing for that group Sunday.
“For the guys who are new to this, I haven’t talked to anybody, but I know the coaches have talked to them and been like, ‘Be ready,’” Hauser said. “It could be five minutes, it could be 20. You just never really know. You just gotta make the minutes count.”
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