Boston beat Philadelphia 144-106 on Oct. 10, a game that got large enough for Scheierman, Cenac Jr., Mitchell, Gonzalez and Garza to play the entire final stretch together. By Sunday, Garza and Devin Carter had each picked up a new status, and Ron Harper Jr., cleared that same day, was back on the list for his shoulder.
The closing lineup belonged to the deep bench.
With the lead at 45, the five Mazzulla left in for the final stretch were Baylor Scheierman, Chris Cenac Jr., Dillon Mitchell, Hugo Gonzalez and Luka Garza — two rookies, a first-year guard, a second-year guard and a reserve center, not a rotation regular among them. Gonzalez finished with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting; Pritchard led everyone with 25.
New names reached the injury report after the final buzzer.
Garza was tagged with a nose and head issue, and Devin Carter moved from a rest designation to illness, both logged Oct. 10, hours after Boston had cleared nearly its entire active roster following the win. Ron Harper Jr. followed the same path: cleared that day, then relisted for his right shoulder before the night was out, with no severity given for Harper or Garza.
The week tightens before the regular season starts.
Charlotte visits Oct. 14, Philadelphia hosts the rematch Oct. 16, and the slate turns real at Detroit on Oct. 20. New York follows Oct. 23 at home. Garza's and Carter's timelines, both estimated for Oct. 14, line up with the Hornets game as the first test of whether either tag costs real minutes.
A roster spot has sat open since camp began.
The second two-way slot has been unfilled since Sept. 12, through Max Shulga's departure, the additions of Hayden Gray and Gabe McGlothan, and two preseason wins. Two games remain before the opener, and Boston still hasn't used it.
Why did Boston's bench finish the win over Philadelphia?
The lead reached 45 points, so Joe Mazzulla closed the game with five reserves — Scheierman, Cenac Jr., Mitchell, Gonzalez and Garza — together down the stretch.
When do the Celtics play next after beating the 76ers?
Boston hosts Charlotte on Oct. 14, plays at Philadelphia again on Oct. 16, then opens the regular season at Detroit on Oct. 20.
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