The Celtics didn’t just bounce back Friday night-they roared back, and they did it without Jaylen Brown in the lineup. After a flat-out forgettable showing earlier in the week, Boston flipped the script in a big way, rolling past the Sacramento Kings from start to finish in a wire-to-wire win that reminded everyone exactly what this team is capable of when it locks in.
A Complete 180 from Wednesday
Let’s be honest-Wednesday’s game felt like someone hit the snooze button on the entire roster. But Friday?
Different story entirely. From the opening tip, the Celtics brought the juice.
They jumped out to a 9-1 lead before the Kings could blink, and that early burst set the tone for what would be a dominant night.
Boston was sharp, decisive, and efficient. They hit 17 of their first 24 shots, moving the ball with purpose and creating clean looks all over the floor. This wasn’t just a team responding to a bad loss-it was a team reminding everyone why they’re a real threat in the East.
Sure, the third quarter got a little dicey. The Celtics only managed 17 points in the frame, which gave Sacramento a sliver of hope.
But even then, Boston never lost control. They entered the fourth with a comfortable cushion and never looked back.
Payton Pritchard Seizes the Moment
With Jaylen Brown sidelined, someone had to step up offensively. Enter Payton Pritchard.
And let’s be real-this wasn’t a surprise. Whenever he gets extended minutes, Pritchard doesn’t just show up-he shows out.
Right out of the gate, he was in his bag. In the first quarter alone, he dropped 11 points and dished out five assists while going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field.
Sacramento’s defense didn’t have an answer for his quickness or his decision-making. He was slicing into the paint, finishing at the rim, and finding open teammates with ease.
By the end of the night, Pritchard had racked up 29 points, eight assists, and two rebounds on a scorching 12-of-16 shooting. That’s the kind of production that turns heads, especially when it comes from a guy who’s often the spark plug off the bench. He didn’t just fill in for Brown-he took over the game.
Baylor Scheierman Makes His Case
Baylor Scheierman’s performance on Wednesday was one of the few silver linings in an otherwise rough night, and it earned him a well-deserved start on Friday. He made the most of it.
Scheierman looked comfortable and confident in the starting role. He spaced the floor well, knocked down open threes, and gave the offense some much-needed rhythm early on. But it wasn’t just his shooting that stood out.
His defense has been steadily improving all season, and against the Kings, he showed why he’s earning more trust from the coaching staff. He stayed in front of his man, fought through screens, and even came up with a steal. It’s the kind of two-way effort that keeps you on the floor in meaningful minutes.
In 30 minutes of action, Scheierman posted 16 points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. For a guy still carving out his role in the league, that’s a statement performance.
Final Word
This was the kind of win that good teams stack-short-handed, coming off a poor showing, and against a capable opponent. The Celtics didn’t just take care of business; they sent a message.
With players like Pritchard and Scheierman stepping up, Boston’s depth continues to be a real asset. And when the energy is right from the opening tip, this team looks every bit the contender it’s expected to be.