Boston’s preseason win over Philadelphia was a team effort, but the Celtics’ reserves gave Joe Mazzulla plenty to think about.
The Celtics overwhelmed the 76ers, 144-106, on Saturday night at TD Garden. Payton Pritchard led Boston with 25 points, while Hugo González added 17 and Sam Hauser scored 11. Boston’s bench outscored the starters, 81-63, and helped turn the game into a rout. It was only a preseason game, and Philadelphia was without several key players. Still, Boston showed how much scoring it can get from beyond its starting group. That depth could matter once the regular season begins and the team has to manage minutes, injuries and tough stretches against deeper opponents.
Pritchard Gave Boston Another Scoring Gear
Pritchard’s 25 points came with seven assists, and he hit five of his eight three-point attempts. His ability to score quickly gives Boston a different look when the starters leave the floor. He can push the pace, create his own shot and keep the offense moving without asking Jayson Tatum or Paul George to carry every possession.
Preseason P in midseason form 😮💨 https://t.co/boAD0WmTe1
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 11, 2026
Hauser offered another familiar source of spacing, while González delivered one of the night’s most eye-catching performances. The rookie made all four of his three-point attempts and finished with 17 points. It is too early to draw firm conclusions from one preseason outing, but a performance like that gives the coaching staff a reason to keep watching his progress.
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Boston’s Frontcourt Options Added To The Picture
The Celtics also controlled the glass, finishing with a 70-41 rebounding advantage. Neemias Queta recorded 10 rebounds, and Luka Garza added seven. Mitchell Robinson, making his first appearance in green, had six points and five rebounds in limited minutes.
That spread of production is the more useful takeaway than the final score. Boston got scoring from its veterans, a strong showing from a young player and rebounding from several big men. The rotation is still taking shape, but Saturday offered a glimpse of how the Celtics could keep pressure on opponents even when their leading scorers sit.
The Celtics won’t face the 76ers again until Friday, Oct. 16, in their preseason finale. Before then, Wednesday’s game against Charlotte gives Boston another chance to sort out its rotation. González and the team’s bench made sure they’ll be part of that conversation.
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