BOSTON — The Boston Celtics showed on Monday that even without their starting big man they can get a win over a solid team in the New Orleans Pelicans, 118-112.

Kristaps Porzingis, was out with an ankle sprain that he suffered against the Miami Heat two games back. However, the Celtics still had trusty Al Horford to step back into the starting rotation and take on the challenge. The game did come with it’s challenges, the matchup was close throughout most of the game. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter in which the Celtics began to step up their defense and make shots.

The Pelicans led most of the game, but outscoring the Pelicans 68-52 in the second half is what made the C’s take it. Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum picked up the slack on the boards due their missing starting big man, each had a double-double. Tatum finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Brown had 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The supporting case also helped too, Jrue Holiday finished with 20 points, and Derrick White had 17 points. The C’s bench was suspect, but did enough to keep the game close while the starters got rest.

For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson was a force to be reckon with since there wasn’t a shot altering center like Porzingis in the paint. Williamson had 26 points, Brandon Ingram led with 28 points.

What this means

The C’s bounced back after losing to the Clippers on their home court. And without their big man in the rotation, the win on Monday should give Celtics fans confidence. Going into the season, Porzingis’ health has always been a question mark, but when healthy, the C’s are the best team in the east. Well their win over the Pelicans showed the Celtics can band together and still play elite level basketball. Tatum and Brown each can contribute to crashing boards and making an impact on different aspects of the game.