The Boston Celtics secured their first victory of the season on Monday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans in a tightly contested matchup. The game remained competitive until the fourth quarter, when the Celtics unleashed a remarkable 31-4 run that ultimately sealed the win.
Key to this decisive run was Sam Hauser, who despite an off-night shooting, contributed significantly to the team’s momentum. He managed to hit two crucial three-pointers during the stretch, finishing the game with a shooting record of 3-for-10, all attempts coming from beyond the arc. Although it took time for his offense to find a rhythm, Hauser consistently made an impact on the defensive side throughout the contest.
Hauser entered the game as a substitute, stepping in at power forward for Josh Minott, who also had an impressive performance. Both teams played with a smaller lineup, which resulted in Hauser often needing to defend in the paint, a role he navigated effectively. He limited the Pelicans to shooting just 41.7% from the field when he was on the floor and held them to 1-for-5 from three-point range.
On several key defensive plays, Hauser showcased his tenacity. For instance, while defending Trey Murphy III, he stayed glued to his opponent, contesting shots even while working through screens. His persistence forced Murphy to pass up a potential shot later in the game, demonstrating his ability to disrupt plays even when statistics may not fully capture his efforts.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Hauser recorded four deflections, ranking second on the team and third overall. He also tallied one block and one steal, underscoring his all-around contributions on defense. Plays that may not show up in standard box scores—like disrupting drives or influencing shot decisions—reflect his value to the Celtics’ defense.
This spirited performance marks a positive start for the Celtics’ season, suggesting that both Hauser and the team as a whole are poised for continued growth as they aim for further victories. Each game builds upon their chemistry and momentum, setting the stage for what could be an exciting stretch ahead.