The Boston Celtics returned to TD Garden on Monday night and handled business with a wire-to-wire win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It wasn’t just a bounce-back-it was a statement.
From the opening tip, Boston came out locked in, building an early lead and never truly letting Portland back into it. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why this team is at the top of the East.
Let’s break down what stood out from a night that had a little bit of everything-from emotional reunions to breakout performances.
Old friends, new threads-but the love never fades
TD Garden showed its appreciation for two familiar faces wearing unfamiliar colors. Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III, both key contributors during their time in Boston, suited up for Portland and made their first appearance back in the building since being traded.
Holiday, who played a pivotal role in Boston’s 2024 title run, was met with a heartfelt ovation during introductions. The Celtics organization followed that up with a tribute video between quarters-an acknowledgment of not just his impact on the court, but his presence in the locker room and the city.
And while the Celtics were busy building a lead, Holiday was doing everything he could to keep Portland afloat. His shot-making in the second quarter was crucial in trimming what had ballooned into a 20-point deficit. It wasn’t enough to change the outcome, but it was a reminder of how steady and impactful he can be-even when the odds aren’t in his favor.
Then there was Robert Williams, aka “Timelord,” who brought back some memories of his own. His athleticism was on full display, finishing at the rim with that signature bounce and swatting away a shot from Amari Williams like it was just another day at the office.
It’s been a long road back from injury for Williams, but seeing him healthy and flying around again? That’s a win in itself.
Payton Pritchard vs. Portland: It’s personal
There’s just something about playing your hometown team. For Payton Pritchard, every time the Trail Blazers are on the other side of the court, he flips a switch-and Monday was no different.
The West Linn, Oregon native has made a habit of torching Portland, and he kept that streak alive with another efficient, energetic performance off the bench. Pritchard poured in 12 points in the first half, including buzzer-beaters to close both the first and second quarters. That’s the kind of timing and confidence you expect from a guy who knows exactly when his team needs a jolt.
He didn’t slow down, either. Pritchard added eight more in the third and capped his night with another triple in the fourth. He’s not just a spark plug-he’s become a reliable weapon, especially when the Celtics need someone to steady the second unit.
Derrick White finds his rhythm again
It’s been a rocky stretch for Derrick White, at least by his standards. The shots that usually fall weren’t dropping in recent games, and while his defense and playmaking never wavered, the offensive rhythm just wasn’t there.
That changed Monday.
White looked like himself again-confident, decisive, and comfortable with the ball in his hands. He scored in a variety of ways: floaters, layups, mid-range pull-ups, and a couple of threes. It was the kind of balanced scoring night Boston has come to rely on from him.
He finished with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep. The only blemish?
Seven turnovers. That’s something he’ll want to clean up, but overall, this was a step in the right direction for a player who’s critical to Boston’s two-way identity.
Amari Williams makes his mark
You could feel it the moment he stepped on the floor-Amari Williams was ready.
The Celtics’ two-way rookie has been inching his way into the rotation, and Monday night felt like a breakthrough. With Luka Garza sidelined due to illness, Williams got extended minutes and made the most of them.
He brought physicality, set solid screens, and showed a willingness to mix it up inside. But it wasn’t just the little things-he made a real impact on both ends.
Nine points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in just under 26 minutes. That’s production with purpose.
His timing looked sharper, and his confidence is clearly growing. He’s not just filling minutes-he’s earning them. And for a Celtics team that’s always looking to fine-tune its depth, this kind of performance from a young big is exactly what you want to see heading into the second half of the season.
The bottom line
This was the kind of bounce-back win that good teams deliver. Boston came out with energy, got contributions across the board, and never let Portland find a rhythm. The return of two beloved former Celtics added some emotional weight to the night, but the current squad made sure the result was never in doubt.
Up next: the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. If the Celtics can carry this momentum forward-and if guys like White and Williams continue trending upward-they’ll be tough to slow down.