Locked On Celtics — Boston Celtics DEFEND & REBOUND for Statement Win Without Jaylen Brown

Host: John Karalis (Locked On Podcast Network)

Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, John Karalis breaks down the Boston Celtics’ statement win over the Phoenix Suns, a game which showcased the team’s depth, defensive prowess, and rebounding dominance — all achieved without All-Star Jaylen Brown. John analyzes key moments, individual performances, and a “signature play” that perfectly encapsulates the heart of this Celtics season. He delivers insight into how the team’s role players stepped up to maintain high-level performance, and provides compelling commentary on what’s fueling the Celtics’ sustained success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Celtics Dominate Margins Despite Early Shooting Woes

• The Celtics started slowly, trailing by as much as 11 and shooting poorly in the first quarter (9-28 FG, 32%; 3-15 3PT, 20%).
• Despite the score, John contended that the team’s process was positive: “It was the most dominant five-point deficit I've ever seen. … They looked good even when losing.” (03:25)
• Key: Boston controlled the glass, grabbing nine offensive boards in the first quarter and generating seven more shot attempts than Phoenix.
• First-quarter problem: Suns scored efficiently off their limited offensive boards, while the Celtics failed to capitalize on their own.

Second Quarter Shift: Defense and Boxing Out

• Celtics adjusted by boxing out better and allowed Phoenix just one offensive rebound in Q2.
• “Then the shots started to fall for Boston.” (05:23)
• Derrick White took off: 13 points in the quarter (5-7 FG, 3-5 3PT).
• Nmi Onome (Namish Keita) also contributed with 8 points and offensive boards.
• By halftime, Boston turned an 11-point deficit into a 4-point lead.

Game-Breaking Third Quarter

• “The whole thing just fell apart for Phoenix.” (06:49)
• Celtics went on a massive 52-11 extended run, peaking at a 28-point lead.
• Sam Hauser caught fire, dropping 13 in the third (outscoring the entire Suns team in that period).
• Defense tightened—Phoenix managed only 11 points in the quarter.
• Transition from defensive stops to immediate, quality offense set the tone.

Rebounding: The Deciding Factor

• Boston returned to form as the NBA’s top defensive rebounding team in February.
• “You can have all the great defense that you want. If you’re not finishing off with a rebound, you’re not completing the defensive possession.” (09:37)
• Celtics consistently gave themselves more shooting opportunities, with key contributions across the rotation.

Individual Performances & Player Highlights

Namish Keita (Nmi Onome)

• “Defense was off the charts…[he] just changes things so much for them defensively.” Two blocks, but ‘altered many more’. (12:28)
• Offensively, 5-10 FG, plus three assists, showing growth as a passer.
• John praised Keita’s development trajectory: “He just continues to get better as, like, each game, like game to game, week to week, month to month.”
• Improvement in fundamentals noted — keeping the ball high, finishing from the dunker spot.

Derrick White

• Stat line: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks.
• “Derrick is never out of the play. Whenever you’re on the floor and Derrick White is around, expect Derrick to show up.” (16:55)
• Hit a tough fadeaway three that got him rolling: “When that fell, I was like, OK, he’s on. He’s back.”
• Strong defense: chased down and blocked a three-point attempt after being screened out.

Sam Hauser

• 16 points (3rd quarter outburst, hot from deep).
• Cited as having his “best, most solid basketball season.” (19:07)
• Showed off-cuts and improved overall offensive play.

Baylor Scheierman

• Double-double night (three in February).
• “Rebounding monster…defensive rebounding percentage up around 21%” (19:35)
• Shot struggles from three continue (1-6), prompting John to wonder if he's an NBA three-point shooter yet.
• Nonetheless, consistently contributes with defense and rebounding.

Ron Harper Jr.

• Shooting struggles but a +25 in the game, “made the play of the night.” (21:08)
• Later noted as central to the episode’s “signature play.”

Ugo Gonzalez

• Integral to the play of the game (see below).
• Represents unlikely contributors stepping up this season.

Other Notes

• Nikola Vucevic — solid, made key passes and punished mismatches inside.
• Peyton Pritchard — tough 2-13 night but still contributed as a playmaker and rebounder.
• Jordan Walsh — strong 9-minute stint, but a failed challenge may have led to reduced second-half minutes.

Signature Play: The Season in One Sequence

[Timestamp 26:12]

Play Description:

• Late third quarter, in the midst of Boston’s decisive run.
• Suns get out in transition. Baylor Scheierman hustles back and forces an adjustment.
• Ron Harper Jr. “comes trucking in, flies in looking like Dr. J … and just swatted it off the backboard.” (26:31)
• Ball goes to Ugo Gonzalez. As Ugo pushes the break, Scheierman and Harper celebrate.
• Ugo Eurosteps and scores at the other end. Crowd erupts; Suns call timeout.

Why It Matters:

• John: “That play, with Baylor, Ron Harper Jr., and Ugo — not the stars, but the role guys — is exactly what this season is about.” (27:49)
• Captures the team’s depth, unselfishness, and next-man-up mentality.
• Celebrated as the “signature play” of the Celtics’ year.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “It was the most dominant five-point deficit I’ve ever seen.” — John Karalis (03:25)
• “Once they [Celtics] started boxing out, they didn’t give up a ton.” (08:23)
• “You can have all the great defense…but if you’re not finishing off with a rebound, you’re not completing the defensive possession.” (09:37)
• On Derrick White: “If he’s not a first-team all-defense guy this year, then… I don’t know what I’ll do, but he better be there.” (17:21)
• “If I had told you [the starting lineup would be White, Harper, Hauser, Scheierman…] you’d think, oh, okay, gap year, something went wrong. But no: this lineup blew out the Phoenix Suns.” (20:24)
• On the signature sequence: “That, those three guys—Baylor, Harper and Ugo—were the guys that pulled this off. To me that makes this so indicative of what this season is.” (28:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:25 — Early deficit, but positive Celtics process
• 05:10 — Second quarter turnaround: boxing out, shots falling
• 06:50 — Third quarter takeover; Hauser and team defense
• 09:35 — Importance of rebounding
• 12:30 — Namish Keita’s developmental leap
• 16:55 — Derrick White two-way impact
• 19:07 — Sam Hauser’s season; Baylor Scheierman as a role player
• 21:08 — Ron Harper Jr.’s impact
• 26:12 — Play of the game: Harper block, Scheierman, Ugo finish
• 28:25 — John on how the signature play sums up the Celtics’ season

Episode Tone & Takeaways

John Karalis delivers with his trademark blend of detailed, objective basketball analysis, dry humor, and heartfelt commentary for Celtics faithful. The tone remains optimistic and pragmatic: the team is winning the “little battles,” growing its role players, and showing resilience and cohesion even when missing stars. He celebrates not just the marquee players but those whose effort and growth are defining this Celtics campaign, tying individual moments into the bigger story of the year.

Summary

This episode spotlights an emphatic Celtics win fueled by elite defense, rebounding, and the unlikely heroics of role players. It’s a testament to Boston’s depth, coaching, and the collective buy-in from the entire roster. John Karalis points to a fast-breaking, thrilling defensive sequence as emblematic of the “next man up” mentality powering Boston’s championship aspirations, cementing this night as an example of what makes this Celtics team special—even without Jaylen Brown on the floor.