Just over a month ago, the Boston Celtics looked like a team stuck in neutral. Sitting at 5-7 after a tough loss to the 76ers on November 11, the early signs weren’t encouraging.
But since then, something’s clicked. The Celtics have ripped off 13 wins in their last 17 games, and now they’re sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings - right back in the thick of things.
So, what changed? The stars are still the stars, but the real story is what’s happening behind them.
Boston’s bench - once a question mark - has turned into a legitimate strength. And it’s the team’s young, relatively unproven depth that’s fueling this midseason surge.
Young Guns Stepping Up
For years, the Celtics have leaned heavily on their top-tier talent. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have carried the offensive load, with Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Al Horford rounding out a core that’s been built for title contention.
But beyond those six, production was spotty. Guys like Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet had their moments, but none had truly carved out consistent, meaningful roles.
Part of that was by design. When you’re chasing championships every year, there’s not a lot of room to experiment or develop raw talent. Combine that with big contracts eating up cap space, and it’s easy to see why Boston’s bench ranked just 21st in scoring last season.
But this year? That script has flipped.
With some offseason departures thinning the veteran ranks and Tatum missing time due to injury, the Celtics have had no choice but to dig into their bench. And through 29 games, the results speak volumes.
Boston’s bench scoring has climbed to 16th in the league - a notable jump. But it’s not just about points.
It’s the energy, the defense, the rebounding - all the little things that don’t always show up in the box score but win you games.
Joe Mazzulla’s Hand in the Turnaround
Credit head coach Joe Mazzulla for this shift. He’s done a masterful job identifying what these young players do well and putting them in positions to succeed.
It’s not just about throwing bodies out there - it’s about fit, matchups, and trust. And right now, Mazzulla’s pushing the right buttons.
Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott have emerged as defensive-minded wings who can take on tough assignments, easing the burden on Brown to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player every night. That’s a big deal, especially over an 82-game grind.
Hugo Gonzalez has been a spark plug - flying around on defense, crashing the glass, and doing the dirty work that keeps momentum swinging in Boston’s favor. And Baylor Scheierman? He’s stepped in as a capable secondary ball-handler, giving the Celtics another option to initiate offense when the stars need a breather.
These aren’t just cameo appearances. These guys are giving Boston quality minutes on a nightly basis - and that’s changed the entire complexion of the team.
A New Layer of Flexibility
Perhaps the most important development is what this depth means for the Celtics moving forward. With Brown no longer having to shoulder as much on both ends, Boston can afford to strategically rest him without watching their offense fall apart. That’s a luxury they didn’t have earlier in the season.
And when Tatum returns? The possibilities open up even more.
Instead of asking Tatum to do everything - score, rebound, defend the opposing star - the Celtics can now mix and match lineups to keep him fresh and maximize his impact. Walsh, Minott, and Gonzalez can take on the tougher defensive assignments.
Scheierman can help manage the offense. That frees Tatum up to focus on what he does best: being the engine of this team.
We could even see some creative lineup combinations. Imagine a small-ball unit with Tatum at the four and one of the young wings at the five to create spacing and switchability.
Or a more traditional look with Neemias Queta anchoring the paint. The point is, Boston now has options - and that makes them dangerous.
Depth That Changes the Equation
This resurgence from the bench isn’t just a nice story - it’s a game-changer. In a year where the Eastern Conference isn’t as deep or dominant as it’s been in recent seasons, the Celtics’ newfound versatility could be the edge they need.
If Tatum returns, Boston suddenly becomes a team with top-end talent and reliable depth - a rare combination in today’s NBA. But even if he doesn’t, the Celtics have shown they can compete. That’s a far cry from where they were just a few weeks ago.
Bottom line: the Celtics’ young core is no longer just the future - they’re the present. And they’ve breathed new life into a season that once looked like it might slip away.