The Celtics have a taxing stretch in their schedule coming up, plus they were down two starters against the Cavaliers on Sunday. So, it was natural C’s coach Joe Mazzulla turned to his depth pieces to provide a boost once he dipped into his bench.
Still, two-way forward Drew Peterson wasn’t the expected guy to step up. But the Celtics have relied heavily on their next man up as the second-year pro was called upon Sunday. It was just Peterson’s seventh career NBA game and his first real rotation minutes in the Cavaliers loss. Peterson impressed in his 25 minutes of action, finishing with eight points and four rebounds, which included a 2-for-5 showing on 3-pointers.
“Just thought he had some really good defensive possessions, defending without fouling,” Mazzulla said, via NBC Sports Boston. “He was physical. He’s smart. He has a knack for the ball, whether it’s offensive rebounding or moving without the basketball to get open. I think he works really hard.”
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Peterson didn’t just play rotation minutes, he also got some crunch-time chances down the stretch of a close game. His shooting was a big boost, but it wasn’t just that. Much like his other bench teammates, Peterson contributed in other ways, whether it was being an active rebounder at 6-foot-9 or drawing an offensive foul on Donovan Mitchell. His activity level on-court was noticeable even if he wasn’t perfect as he didn’t let this massive opportunity go to waste.
Peterson entered Sunday’s game having played 30 total NBA minutes — he nearly doubled that with 25 minutes in the Cavs loss. Peterson originally signed with the Celtics on a two-way contract roughly one year ago in December 2023. He learned behind the scenes during the title run as the team re-signed him to another two-way deal over the summer.
This year, he’s averaged 19.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in five G League games as his pro career has been away from the spotlight. But there was plenty to like Sunday in a clash between the two best teams in the East.
“It was great to see him out there,” Kristaps Porzingis said. “I liked that he wasn’t shy. … He wasn’t shy all night long and shot his shots. Played good defense and showed his game in a high-level game like this. It was really cool to see.”
The Celtics were without Jaylen Brown (non-COVID illness) and Derrick White (foot sprain) as there were wing minutes available to go around. Sam Hauser got the start as there was bound to be an opportunity for someone. Mazzulla has rolled with Jordan Walsh for wing minutes to start the season as the 20-year-old had an impressive training camp and preseason. Peterson ended up getting the call instead of other options like first-round pick Baylor Scheierman or Jaden Springer.
So, the Celtics will look to rebound after seeing their seven-game win streak snapped as they fell to the Cavs. But they also have four games in the next six days as they’ll have to lean on their depth during this stretch. And perhaps Peterson gets some more playing time after a solid look Sunday.
“You try to find moments throughout the season where you can validate the work that the guys put in, regardless of who it is — Jordan, Drew, Jaden, JD (Davison) and those guys,” Mazzulla said. “So just felt like he’s had really good reps lately and I thought he put us in a position to help us win.”
