Inside The Celtics

Sam Hauser Discusses His First NBA Start

Sam Hauser registered 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the Celtics' win vs. the Pistons.

Bobby Krivitsky

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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With the Celtics' starting backcourt of Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain) and Jaylen Brown (non-Covid illness) sidelined, Monday's matchup against the Pistons provided an opportunity for Sam Hauser to get the first start of his NBA career.

In Boston's 111-99 win in the Motor City, Hauser registered 15 points, burying 5/9 threes, grabbed six rebounds, and swatted two shots.

Interestingly enough, all of his points came in the first half, but after 24 minutes, he and Derrick White tied for the most in the game, and Hauser earned a plus-14 plus-minus rating, the highest mark in the category at that juncture.

After the Celtics' victory, Hauser discussed the first start of his NBA career.

"It kind of took me by surprise," expressed Hauser. I think I kind of found out about JB late, so I didn't really know anything, and I thought they'd maybe plug someone else in to start, but called my number (and) I was ready for it."

Joe Mazzulla conveyed, "I trust his work ethic, and I trust his mindset."

Hauser's head coach added, "when he's in, our off-ball creativity is there, our after-action is there, and our early-offense spacing is there, and so I thought he would help that."

Further Reading

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Pistons: Heavy Lifting Done in Middle Two Frames in Boston's Victory in the Motor City

Nothing More Than a Rumor: The Celtics Should Not and Will Not Trade Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant

Eastern Conference Rival Reportedly Interested In Swinging Trade For Celtics Sharpshooter

Celtics Reportedly Considering Trade For Local Big Man To Improve Center Depth

Instant Reaction to Nets Trading Kyrie Irving to Mavericks, a Missed Opportunity for a Celtics' Rival

1:1 with Paul Pierce on What the Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Means to Him; Jayson Tatum's Growth, His Evaluation of Boston's Season, and More

A Potential Buyout Target and the Celtics are Reportedly Showing Mutual Interest

Celtics Reportedly Interested in Reunion with Kelly Olynyk

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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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