Inside The Celtics

'Always Ready': Celtics Second Unit Shines in Portland

On Monday night, the Celtics notched their 50th win this season, registering a 22-point victory vs. the Trail Blazers.

Bobby Krivitsky

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
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Monday night at the Moda Center, the Boston Celtics earned their 50th win this season, registering a 121-99 victory vs. the Portland Trail Blazers.

The visitors dominated on the margins and became the first team in the current campaign to commit only 11 fouls and three turnovers, per Stat Muse.

They also get stellar performances from their second unit.

Payton Pritchard, traditionally a member of that group, got inserted into the starting lineup with Jrue Holiday out due to left knee tendinopathy. He responded by nearly notching a triple-double in his homecoming.

The former West Linn High School star finished with 11 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds. He consistently pushed the tempo, snaked his way into the paint, and beautifully orchestrated the pick-and-roll.

Sam Hauser, who erupted for 12 points in the final frame, scored a season-high 22 points on 8/12 shooting, including faring 6/10 from beyond the arc. He outscored every Trail Blazers starter but Deandre Ayton.

Boston also got six points and five rebounds, including three on offense, two blocks, and two assists, from Luke Kornet, who starred in his role at both ends of the floor.

Oshae Brissett snagged seven rebounds, the second most on the team behind Pritchard, and led the visitors with four that extended Celtics possessions.

"Our job is to come in to bring energy and do the little things really well," stated Hauser to NBC Sports Boston's Abby Chin after the win. "And sometimes we have nights like this, where we're a little bit more involved, and we're always ready when our number's called, and that's why we put the work in every day."

The six-foot-eight sharpshooter also discussed going from 2/5 from the field and 1/4 from three-point range in the first half to drilling 6/7 attempts, including 5/6 from behind the arc, in the second.

"I had a rough first half but was able to turn it around in the second half, and once you see a couple go (in), the rim gets bigger, and you feel more confident."

Hauser and the Celtics now head to Utah to face the Jazz in the second half of this back-to-back and the final tilt in their five-game road trip.

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum Plays Entire Second Half vs. Suns: 'Don't Really Say That Many Times'

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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