The Boston Celtics took care of business against the Charlotte Hornets for the second straight night, earning a 113-103 victory on Saturday. Although Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball had a strong performance, the Celtics’ depth and style of play ultimately secured them the victory. Here are the five takeaways from the competition:

1. The Celtics role players stepped up

Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet and Jrue Holiday were instrumental in the victory. Pritchard found his rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting four of his six three-pointers in the second quarter and finishing with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the bench. Kornet had an impeccable game, shooting a perfect 6 of 6 from the field and hitting all seven free throws. Holiday, meanwhile, was reliable and efficient, especially in the fourth quarter, with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds.

2. The difficulties of the third trimester

The Celtics struggled out of halftime, allowing the Hornets to go on a 17-2 run that cut Boston’s 18-point halftime lead to just three points. Boston’s three-point shooting, which had been solid earlier, fell flat in the third, going 2 of 15 from beyond the arc. Despite the crisis, the Celtics stuck to their perimeter game rather than attacking the paint, something they may look to address in future games.

3. The absence of Grant Williams is not felt

Former Celtic Grant Williams had a lackluster performance on Saturday, giving fans reason to have confidence in Boston’s current rotation. Williams scored just five points and committed five fouls, struggling with consistency and decision-making, including a questionable foul on former teammate Jayson Tatum. This performance highlighted that Boston has moved smoothly without him.

4. The Celtics thrive without Jaylen Brown

All-Star wing Jaylen Brown, the Finals MVP, sat out with flexor strain, but the Celtics still didn’t miss a beat. They took a 19-point lead in the second quarter, proving that they remain a formidable team even without one of their stars.

5. Boston’s depth is unmatched

Even though they were facing a rebuilding Hornets team, Saturday’s win reinforced the idea that Boston’s depth is a real asset. The Celtics showed they can adapt, rely on diverse contributors and remain dangerous in multiple spots on the court.

As they head into Monday’s final game of their three-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics continue to demonstrate that they are more than ready to compete at the highest level, with or without their players renowned.

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