Boston Celtics Offense DOMINATES, Nikola Vucevic SHINES in best game in Boston

Boston Celtics storm into the All-Star break with a rejuvenated offense and breakout performances from unexpected contributors. Can this momentum vault them to the top of the Eastern Conference? John Karalis of Celtics On SI spotlights Nikola Vucevic’s near-flawless showing—19 points, 11 rebounds, and elite ball movement—while examining how his presence transforms the team’s cutting and passing game. Jordan Walsh impresses with relentless defense, timely cuts, and high-energy hustle, staking his claim as a key rotation piece.

Key discussions center on Jaylen Brown’s aggressive start, Payton Pritchard’s sixth-man impact, and shifting lineup dynamics with Jayson Tatum’s impending return. Karalis also breaks down the Chicago Bulls’ struggles, Anfernee Simons’ quiet night back in Boston, and what Vucevic’s role signals for Luka Garza’s future minutes. With the Celtics riding high at 35-19, are they poised for a second-half surge? Don’t miss this sharp analysis of Boston’s evolving title hunt.

00:00 Bulls Game Recap
05:47 Celtics Offense Rebounds
10:10 Vuc’s Impact & Passing
13:20 Jordan Walsh Breakout
17:55 Jaylen Brown & Pritchard
24:10 Vuc Starting, Tatum Update

SI Mailbag: https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/onsi/boston-celtics-mailbag-jayson-tatum-s-fit-nikola-vucevic-s-defense-and-tanking-01kh6nrd0wn1

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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis. It’s an inside look at the C’s from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.

#BostonCeltics #Celtics #NBA #JaysonTatum #JaylenBrown

16 comments

  2. I've been critical of Joe. Time to eat my words. Joe has taken this team to #2 while missing #1 scorer, Tatum. Meanwhile, Pacers #1 scoring option, Hali, suffers a similar Achilles fate and they are last place. Also big credit to Jaylen who stepped up mightily all season. Great coaching staff led by Joe plus a great "motley crew" of newbies and rookies led on the court by Jaylen. A tale of 2 teams… Celts v Pacers.

  5. At some point in the 1st segment, John was looking like the Brazilian correspondent journalist covering the World Cup 2002 in Japan when he appeared live on the news show with the image frozen and changing frames every 10 seconds lol

  6. He’s playing second string against third string guys? He should dominate he was their starter for a reason? It’s also against the bulls. We still need another big Garza can’t survive in playoffs and we will need to play double bigs against Philly and Cleveland in a seven game series.

  8. 61 bench points! Happy that Pritch is back in the 6th man role-that’s where he thrives. I know occasionally he’ll probably start due to injuries etc but I hope that’s where he stays majority of 2nd half. Vucci Mane was very efficient tonight despite a few turnovers but that comes with adjusting to a new team I believe. And I loved Walsh’s energy. JB continues to put together an incredible year and now will get some much needed rest. I realize he’s part of the ASG but we all know that’s become a glorified pickup game. Thanks John and enjoy your break! ☘️🔒

  9. Foundational bricks makes the clinic. Didn't take long for a quick synopsis to take place; all-star break then back for more Internal Devolpments ☘︎

  12. And again Anfernee Simon’s was not going to take a pay cut to come back no he wanted a big pay day in free agency this summer and the Celtics were not going to match offers with other teams

  13. Celtics dominated the Bulls.. Joe Mazzulla left that Two Bigs sh!t alone like I suggested. I knew he was going to have to Sacrifice LUKA-GAR-ZILLA minutes as well as Payton Pritchard starting position'🤔🏀💯🍀🏆💪🏾.

  15. Great game but truly, when the other teams “center” is 6’7” and 50+lbs overweight…. Yeah we better get a performance like this. Love you Dancing Bear but dudes eating his way out of the NBA.

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