The Boston Celtics didn’t waste any time getting a return on their newest investment. Just days after landing Nikola Vucevic in a trade with the Chicago Bulls that sent Anfernee Simons the other way, the veteran center suited up and made an immediate impact-helping Boston grind out a gutsy comeback win over the Miami Heat.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a pretty start. With Jayson Tatum still sidelined as he recovers from Achilles surgery, the Celtics came out flat in front of the home crowd at TD Garden.
Nikola Vucevic going to work 😤
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 7, 2026
He caps a 20-3 run for the Celtics!
pic.twitter.com/lKsvw9JG8q
The offense looked disjointed, the spacing was off, and Miami’s defense smelled blood. Boston found itself in an early 29-15 hole after a cold-shooting first quarter that had more groans than cheers echoing through the arena.
But that’s where Vucevic stepped in and showed exactly why the Celtics front office made the move.
In his debut, Vucevic delivered the kind of steady, veteran presence that doesn’t always show up in the highlight reel-but shows up in the win column. He posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, but the stat sheet only tells part of the story. His court awareness, decision-making, and ability to operate within the flow of the offense gave Boston a much-needed anchor-especially with their primary star watching from the sidelines.
He also dished out four assists, showing off the passing ability that’s long been an underrated part of his game. Whether it was hitting cutters from the high post or swinging the ball to the weak side to keep the offense moving, Vucevic helped re-establish rhythm when the Celtics desperately needed it. Add in two steals and a 4-of-8 shooting night, and you’ve got a debut that was as efficient as it was impactful.
And perhaps most importantly, his presence in the paint opened things up for Boston’s guards-especially Payton Pritchard, who found more space to operate once Miami had to respect Vucevic’s inside game. With the floor spaced more effectively, the Celtics’ offense started to flow, and the comeback was on.
This is what Boston was banking on when they brought in the 15-year vet. Not a flashy, high-usage scorer, but a smart, skilled big who can stabilize the rotation and elevate the play of those around him. One game in, and it’s clear: the “Vucevic Effect” is already being felt in Boston.