The Boston Celtics probably couldn’t have come up with a more unusual way to end their preseason.
Facing a Philadelphia 76ers team featuring Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey and former Celtics star Jaylen Brown, Boston decided to give its regular contributors an off night. Instead of using a conventional starting lineup, the Celtics started with Chris Cenac Jr., Milos Uzan, Hayden Gray, Tucker DeVries and Gabe McGlothan.
The result was a 125-120 overtime victory that gave Boston a perfect 4-0 preseason record.
This final score is quite entertaining. But what happened during the game might be even more interesting to Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics coaching staff. Boston’s reserves didn’t just survive against a more recognizable Philadelphia squad. They found a way to win after falling behind late.
For a team preparing to open the regular season, this is a pretty encouraging problem.
MORE: Celtics overcome huge depth disadvantage to beat 76ers in preseason finale
Celtics reserves refuse to follow the script
The 76ers had recognizable names and established star power. Boston had players competing for opportunities, developmental minutes and potentially roster positions. On paper, this looked like a tough game for the Celtics.
Preseason 4-0 ✅ https://t.co/o0equnOnrl
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 17, 2026
Philadelphia took a 10-point advantage into the fourth quarter, putting Boston in a position where a preseason loss would hardly have been surprising. Instead, the Celtics fought back and forced overtime before securing the victory.
Hugo Gonzalez led Boston with 21 points, continuing to demonstrate why his development is worth watching. Tucker DeVries, Ron Harper Jr. and Dillon Mitchell also made significant contributions as the Celtics got back into the game.
The performance didn’t guarantee anyone extra minutes in the regular season. Preseason basketball doesn’t work that way. However, this effort gave Boston’s coaching staff another opportunity to evaluate players in situations that cannot be completely replicated during practice.
Late game possessions, defensive assignments, and decision-making under pressure all provide useful information. The Celtics got a lot of that on Friday.
More Celtics
Sam Cassell gets an interesting assignment
Another unusual aspect of the evening concerned the technical staff. Mazzulla handed sideline responsibilities to assistant coach Sam Cassell, continuing Boston’s approach of allowing assistants to gain valuable experience during preseason games.
Cassell was tasked with running a lineup that looked considerably different than what Boston expected to use during the regular season. This created opportunities for evaluation beyond the players themselves.
Coaches must determine which combinations work together, which players understand their defensive responsibilities and who can execute them when the game becomes competitive. Friday offered an opportunity to make those evaluations without the pressure of regular-season standings.
Cassell’s group responded with a victory.
The result also reflects something that has become an important part of Boston’s identity in the preseason: defensive activity and a willingness to compete regardless of the personnel on the field.
These qualities will matter when the Celtics start playing games that matter.
MORE: Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla snubbed in GM investigation despite reigning COTY status
Boston’s real decisions start now
The Celtics open their regular season Tuesday, October 20 against the Detroit Pistons. At this point, the focus will shift from experimentation to winning games.
Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Boston’s other established contributors will command significant minutes. Opportunities for players lower down the list will become more limited.
That’s why Friday’s performance was significant.
The coaching staff has re-examined several players who may not have many opportunities to demonstrate their value once the regular season begins.
Gonzalez’s performance was encouraging. The contributions of Boston’s young players are also worth noting.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the victory was the collective response. The Celtics could have accepted a preseason loss to a Philadelphia team filled with several accomplished veterans.
Instead, they continued to compete and found a way to win. An undefeated preseason doesn’t guarantee anything once the regular season begins. Boston knows it.
What this provides is proof that the team’s young players are ready to compete, even when the matchup looks unfavorable. This should make the final roster evaluations considerably more interesting.
And for Mazzulla, having too many players eager to prove they belong is a problem most coaches would happily accept.
More Celtics
Gn sports
