Analysis

Mar 4, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball while Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

None of the things that normally keep the Celtics in a game happened here, which led to their worst loss of the season.

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Oct 24, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jayson Tatum, center, looks on during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

There are understandable concerns that Jayson Tatum is pushing to come back sooner rather than later, but it should be clear that he's returning at the right time.

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Young Boston Celtics rookie has a lot to figure out, but every once in a while he has flashes that show future greatness, even if those things aren't immediately evident.

Jan 30, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The rookie got his third start for the shorthanded Celtics, who were missing Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta, and he rewarded them with an incredible night.

Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Queta was incredible to start and finish this game, making this easily his best game in the NBA.

Sep 29, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Celtics are essentially driving around with their gas light on, but their plan will help them coast into a gas station just as the tank hits empty.

Feb 27, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Brown and Vucevic each scored 28 as the Celtics broke open a tight game midway through the third quarter.

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mazzulla is unabashedly himself, which is the epicenter of his madness, his genius, and his success

Feb 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Celtics Joe Mazzulla reacts after a play during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Celtics were slow and sluggish, which felt like an opportunity to use a perfectly-suited "break glass in case of emergency" player

Feb 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Celtics were right there with the Nuggets until about midway through the third, when Denver found another gear and Boston didn't.

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White celebrates against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

They started slow, but the Celtics turned up the defense, grabbed some rebounds, and ran away from the Phoenix Suns

Jan 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3)drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55)during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Celtics two biggest weaknesses earlier this season, defense and rebounding, are suddenly their biggest strengths, and it's because of some unforeseen contributors.

Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Pritchard's roll continued and Brown had a monster second half to pull away from the Lakers Sunday evening

Gonzalez is still a rookie who makes rookie mistakes and plays inconsistent minutes, but there are strong signs that he has the potential to become a huge part of Boston's future.

Feb 19, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes up for a shot against Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics built a 34-point lead, shooting and passing well, but they nearly blew it when the Warriors turned it on in the fourth quarter.

Dec 23, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Dalano Banton (45) before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during warmups at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

A familiar face is coming back to Boston, but he might not be here very long if the Celtics follow this plan to staying under the tax.

Feb 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) shoots the ball against the New York Knicks in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Celtics have 28 games left to play over a little more than seven weeks, and if things go well, they could be in incredible shape when it comes to their offseason moves in July.

Sep 25, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens speaks during a press conference at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Celtics will be playing a bit of a financial game over the last nearly two months, so they'll probably take a very specific approach to filling their spots.

Dec 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) defends Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Celtics are in a neck-and-neck race with the Knicks for the second seed, which means a lot of important games are coming up if they want to secure tiebreakers.

Jan 2, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrate after a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum's return will require some adjustments from the Celtics. Some players stand to benefit, but a few stand to lose out.

Dec 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) high-fives forward Sam Hauser (30) before a game against the Detroit Pistons at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

He's one of the best players in the world, but his initial return is still part of his rehab, so there might be some minor disruptions between his first game back and when he feels like his usual self.

Jan 17, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with fans after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics star can say he's not sure if he's coming back or not, but the signs are pretty obviously pointing to a return to action fairly soon.

Feb 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) defends Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Celtics have made some interesting lineup choices recently, but are they really making the right decision based on how their roster is currently constructed? Who should they start now that Nikola Vucevic is in Boston?

A once free-flowing style of play has been impacted, but the team remains confident it can work through its issues and find a rhythm again.

Jan 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) rebounds the ball in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Neemias Queta has made a lot of strides, learning little things that improve his chances to score and open things up for his teammates. One play against Miami showed just how much progress he's made in one particular area.

Analysis

Celtics Player Grades From Blowout Loss To Charlotte: Derrick White Only Bright Spot

Celtics Player Grades From Blowout Loss To Charlotte: Derrick White Only Bright Spot

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