While the Celtics constructed the NBA’s most deadly beginning 5 final summer time, they confronted questions on their bench. Their commerce for Jrue Holiday on the eve of coaching camp was successful to their proficient depth, and so they had been briefly reminded of that Monday night time in Portland as they visited outdated buddies Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams, who’re each out resulting from harm.

But regardless of any outdoors considerations about their bench, the C’s maintained sturdy perception in who remained. And as they’ve soared to the highest of the league standings this season, that depth has performed a giant position.

The newest instance got here Monday. With Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis each sidelined, the Celtics didn’t miss a beat. Payton Pritchard stepped into the beginning lineup with a robust effort, Sam Hauser shot the lights out, and the Celtics rolled with ease for a 121-99 victory over the inferior Blazers.

Jaylen Brown led the best way with 27 factors and Jayson Tatum added 26 factors because the Celtics’ stars shouldered the scoring burden however Boston’s reserves carried this victory to the end line. Pritchard, in his first begin of the season, had a close to triple-double with 11 factors, eight rebounds and eight assists, and Hauser had 22 factors on six 3-pointers. The Celtics acquired contributions up and down their roster as they dealt with the Blazers for this relaxed victory.

The Celtics turned the primary group within the NBA this season to succeed in 50 wins. It marked the third consecutive season they’ve hit that win complete.