Celtics Star Praises New Teammate’s Impressive Debut Against Heat

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 7, 2026 9:40 PM ET

The Celtics welcomed Nikola Vucevic to their roster, and his debut against the Miami Heat was nothing short of remarkable. Despite having only one practice with the team, Vucevic played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ comeback victory, overcoming a 22-point deficit to win the game 98-96 at TD Garden.

Celtics Star Praises New Teammate’s Impressive Debut Against Heat

In his first game, Vucevic recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. His contributions immediately impressed both his coach and teammates as he acclimated to Boston’s system. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Vucevic for his preparation. He noted, “I thought he did a great job from the day he got to Boston right to tip-off preparing for everything — our language, our coverages, what we needed to do.”

Impactful Playing Style

Vucevic’s ability to adapt quickly was crucial in lifting the team during a challenging first half. He led all Celtics centers with 28 minutes on the court. Through effective pick-and-roll plays with Derrick White and solid defensive positioning, Vucevic created advantageous scoring opportunities.

Points: 11
Rebounds: 12
Playing Time: 28 minutes

Derrick White noted their emerging partnership, saying, “Just having another weapon for us to use is exciting.” The Celtics realized the potential of having Vucevic in their lineup to enhance their offensive strategy.

Team Dynamics

Leading the Celtics in scoring was Jaylen Brown, who tallied 29 points during the contest. Brown understands the significance of integrating Vucevic into their gameplay. He mentioned, “I’ve been talking to him. His progression is huge for us… I want him to get comfortable as quickly as possible.”

Brown highlighted the collective effort of the team to include Vucevic in their plays. He expressed optimism, believing that Vucevic’s presence would bolster their chances for success throughout the season.

Upcoming Challenges

As the Celtics look ahead, they face a significant challenge this Sunday afternoon. The New York Knicks will bring their formidable front line, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, to Boston for a highly anticipated matchup on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Celtics aim to build on their recent success, with Vucevic’s performance serving as a promising indicator of future outcomes.