The weight of the worst start in over a decade has finally been lifted. The Boston Celtics, searching for an identity and a victory through a frustrating 0-3 start, exploded for a cathartic 122-90 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. The victory was fueled by a collective effort, a dominant fourth quarter, and most notably, a career-defining performance from Josh Minott, who was thrust into the starting lineup and delivered a game-high +42 plus/minus.
Facing a winless Pelicans team without Zion Williamson, the Celtics could have folded under the pressure of their own slow start. Instead, they authored their most complete performance of the young season, showcasing the depth and fight that was missing in their first three outings.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole is fouled by Boston Celtics forward Josh Minott (8) as he drives to the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Minott Seizes the Moment in First Career Start
The headline story was Josh Minott. After being a healthy scratch just two nights prior, the 22-year-old wing was inserted into the starting lineup by Coach Joe Mazzulla—the team’s third different starting combination in four games. Minott responded with a breathtaking all-around performance that energized the entire team.
Instant Impact: He needed just six seconds to make his presence felt, finishing an alley-oop from Derrick White off the opening tip.
Stat-Stuffer: He finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and was a disruptive force on defense.
The +42 Effect: The most telling stat was his plus/minus. In his 28 minutes, the Celtics outscored the Pelicans by a staggering 42 points, a testament to his winning impact on both ends of the floor.
Bench Mob Erupts, Provides Much-Needed Firepower
While Minott set the tone, the Celtics’ second unit provided the knockout punch.
Anfernee Simons caught fire, leading all scorers with 25 points off the bench, draining 6 three-pointers and providing the explosive scoring the Celtics have craved.
Payton Pritchard orchestrated the offense with poise, tallying 18 points and 8 assists.
The big man duo of Neemias Queta (7 offensive rebounds, 4 blocks) and Luka Garza (perfect from deep) provided physicality and floor-spacing, overwhelming the Pelicans in the paint.
After allowing leads to slip away in previous games, the Celtics put their foot down in the fourth quarter, outscoring New Orleans 35-15 to turn a competitive game into a resounding blowout.
For one night, all the questions surrounding the Celtics found answers. The bench production was prolific, the defense was connected, and a young player emerged as a potential x-factor. This victory is more than just a mark in the win column; it’s a blueprint for how this team can succeed without Jayson Tatum. The challenge for Coach Mazzulla will be to bottle the energy and unselfishness displayed in New Orleans. If Josh Minott can provide anything close to this spark consistently, and the bench maintains its firepower, the Celtics’ early-season woes may quickly become a distant memory as they return home to TD Garden.