Post by : Maya Rahman

The Boston Celtics earned their first victory of the NBA season on Monday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 122-90. Playing in New Orleans, the Celtics showed great improvement on both offense and defense. The win came a day after their loss to the Detroit Pistons, proving the team’s ability to bounce back strongly. It was also Boston’s ninth straight win against the Pelicans, continuing their dominance in this matchup.

Anfernee Simons was the star of the night, scoring 25 points to lead the Celtics. His accurate shooting, quick drives, and composure under pressure made a huge difference. Simons’ energy and scoring helped Boston maintain control throughout the game. His leadership on the floor inspired his teammates and kept the team’s offense flowing smoothly. It was a complete performance that reminded fans of Simons’ ability to take over a game when needed.

While Simons led the scoring, the Celtics enjoyed contributions from several players. Payton Pritchard added 18 points, showing confidence from long range. Luka Garza contributed 16 points with solid rebounding, while Jaylen Brown and Josh Minott both scored 15 points each. Derrick White also chipped in 11 points to round out six Boston players in double figures. The team’s balanced attack was key to their success, allowing them to keep fresh energy on the court.

The Pelicans were without their star player, Zion Williamson, who missed the game due to a left foot bone injury suffered in a recent overtime loss to San Antonio. Without him, the Pelicans struggled to find rhythm and strength inside the paint. Jordan Poole stepped up with 22 points, rookie Derik Queen scored 12, and Yves Missi, returning from an ankle injury, added 11 points. Herbert Jones and Saddiq Bey also scored 11 each, but it was not enough to stop Boston’s momentum.

Boston entered halftime with a 65-54 lead and never looked back. Although the Pelicans briefly closed the gap in the third quarter, the Celtics quickly responded. Sam Hauser and Baylor Scheierman hit key 3-pointers to extend the lead. By the start of the fourth quarter, Boston led 87-78, and from there, they completely dominated. The Celtics outscored New Orleans 35-12 in the final quarter, turning the game into a one-sided contest.

From the opening tip-off, Boston set the tone. Jaylen Brown scored eight quick points as the Celtics took a 23-9 lead early in the first quarter. Although the Pelicans tried to rally with fast-break dunks from Trey Murphy III and Bey, Boston maintained a solid lead through Simons and White’s back-to-back 3-pointers. The Celtics’ teamwork and shooting accuracy improved as the game progressed, showing the chemistry they had been missing earlier in the season.

The Pelicans’ loss highlighted their ongoing challenges this season. Without Williamson’s scoring and rebounding, they lacked balance. Despite good efforts from Poole and Bey, New Orleans’ defense couldn’t contain Boston’s spread offense. Their fourth-quarter collapse showed fatigue and inconsistency, problems the team must address before returning home.

The win marked a turning point for Boston after a tough start. Their players looked more connected, and their defense showed greater intensity. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s response after the Detroit loss, noting their improved energy and focus. With this victory, the Celtics regained confidence and showed that they remain strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.