Celtics passed their first Jayson Tatum-less test: ‘We believe in our depth’

The Boston Celtics overcame the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum and survived a blown 22-point lead to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night at TD Garden. With Tatum resting for the first time this season, head coach Joe Mazzulla adjusted his rotation and started Paul George, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Hugo González. Boston deployed 10 players in the first quarter alone on the way to the victory.

Paul George led the Celtics with 25 points, including a crucial step-back 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Luka Garza contributed 11 first-half points off the bench, while Derrick White completed a key late three-point play following an offensive rebound by Baylor Scheierman. Boston also managed to close out the contest without guard Payton Pritchard, who exited following a third-quarter eye injury.