March 2, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) and Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) are playing in the second half of the game at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Image The Boston Celtics enter Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets having won 12 of their last 14 games.
Boston has gotten the job done through its defense and depth.
The Celtics overcame the absences of leading scorer Jaylen Brown (illness) and starting center Niimias Cueta (rest) with a 108-81 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Boston has given up less than 100 points in nine of its last 13 wins and has allowed an average of 107.0 points per game this season, the fewest of any NBA team.
Brown, who is averaging a team-high 29.0 points per game, has missed seven games this season. However, the Celtics are 6-1 in those seven contests.
“It just starts with the players,” Boston coach Joe Mazula said. “It goes back to the beginning of the season, and one of the strengths of our locker room has been that we can always win when guys come out. We’ve been playing against guys for the last three or four years and we’ve still been able to win games.
“It’s just them. I think Brad (general manager Brad Stevens) does a great job of finding guys who are competitive. When they come into the locker room, they want to play for the guy next to them. And then they’re looking for nights to create ownership and responsibility.”
Payton Pritchard came off the bench to score a game-high 25 points in Monday’s win over Milwaukee. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez made his third career start and recorded 18 points, 16 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
“We have our own standards and we want to maintain them every game,” Gonzalez said. “We don’t like making excuses.”
“I think it’s the employees who hold us accountable.” Pritchard said. “But I also think Brad knows guys who love basketball and are ready at every possible moment, so that’s a hallmark trait.”
Charlotte extended its five-game winning streak to a 117-90 victory over Dallas on Tuesday night.
The Hornets have won 15 of their last 18 games to move to .500 (31-31) for the first time since Oct. 28, when they were 2-2.
“Overall, I’m really pleased with the team’s effort on both ends of the court,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee said. “To keep the team under 100 players again and win every quarter is a testament to our guys and the consistency they have shown with their competitive spirit.
“We’re seeing the fruits of our hard work. We’re getting better and better in a lot of different areas. … I’m really proud of the growth we’re making. We’re getting a lot of contributions from people at different moments in the game and that’s helping us a lot.”
Brandon Miller scored a team-high 17 points against the Mavericks and has led Charlotte in scoring in each of the last four games.
Wednesday’s game is the first of three meetings between the teams. Boston plays Charlotte on March 29, and the Hornets visit the Celtics on April 7.
–Field level media
