After a 38-point debut and a 22-point lead lost in Detroit, Boston faces the champions with four things to fix, from George's defense to Tatum's shot diet.
The Celtics re-signed Payton Pritchard to a two-year, $44.2 million extension that would make him their third-highest-paid player in 2028-29. The yearly salaries are calculated, not announced.
The Celtics went 4-0 with a 222-162 rebounding edge and 20 forced turnovers a game, but the finale showed the ball-security cost.
Boston took 17 more shots than Charlotte on Wednesday, built on 29 Hornets turnovers. The Celtics have forced 51 in two games after ranking 29th at forcing them last season.
| Player | GP | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul George | 2 | 32.5 | 26.5 | 6.0 | 2.5 | 50.0 |
| Jayson Tatum | 2 | 37.5 | 24.5 | 6.5 | 9.0 | 40.8 |
| Derrick White | 2 | 34.5 | 14.5 | 2.5 | 7.0 | 50.0 |
| Payton Pritchard | 2 | 29.0 | 10.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 35.7 |
| Neemias Queta | 2 | 22.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 45.5 |
| Sam Hauser | 2 | 20.5 | 8.5 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 50.0 |
| Luka Garza | 2 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 66.7 |
| Baylor Scheierman | 2 | 14.5 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Mitchell Robinson | 2 | 20.0 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 66.7 |
| Jordan Walsh | 2 | 16.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 0.5 | 28.6 |
| Hugo Gonzalez | 2 | 7.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
Three centers, one closing spot. Who finishes games in April?
Paul George replaces Jaylen Brown. How does the roster and cap sheet change?
A 20-year veteran on a minimum deal. What does the second unit gain?
