The Boston Celtics improved their record to 40-20 with a 114-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night at TD Garden, maintaining their hold on second place in the Eastern Conference. The win underscored Boston’s recent progress and the growing confidence within the team as they push forward in the season.
Neemias Queta was dominant throughout the game, posting 27 points and 17 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards that provided crucial extra possessions. Jaylen Brown matched Queta’s impressive scoring output, contributing 27 points himself in the contest.
Jaylen Brown Reflects on Team’s Growth This Season
Following the game, Brown emphasized to NBC’s Zora Stephenson how much the Celtics’ identity has shifted since their earlier meetings with the Sixers. He stressed that this current lineup is markedly improved from the one Philadelphia saw previously.
We’re a different team than when we played them earlier this season,
Brown said.
We’ve grown, a lot of our players have improved. We are playing good basketball right now.
?Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Guard
At the season’s start, Boston’s roster comprised many new players, making it challenging to establish a clear team identity. Over time, Brown acknowledged that this gradual development has been evident.
In a postgame conversation with CLNS Media, Brown further explained the ongoing evolution of the Celtics’ style and roster dynamics, highlighting the impact of roster changes and integrating new players like Nikola Vucevic.
I think our identity definitely feels like it’s formulated,
Brown shared.
Early in the season we were kind of figuring things out, trying to find an identity with this new group of guys that were playing large minutes. We started to get going and then a couple guys are no longer on the team. So and then we get Vucevic. So now our identity kind of shifts a little bit again.
?Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Guard
Despite these frequent adjustments, the Celtics have developed cohesion, showing fluid offense and strong teamwork. Brown credited their unselfish play and collective effort as key reasons for recent success.
I think we’ve done a good job of just being unselfish and playing Celtic basketball,
Brown stated.
I think we’re starting to figure it out. Tonight was a team win. Everybody did their part and that’s how you know when you’re doing that, it makes you a lot more dangerous.
?Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Guard
Neemias Queta’s Rise Proves Vital for Celtics’ Forward Momentum
Queta’s standout contribution included 27 points and 17 rebounds in a limited 27-minute appearance, with an efficient 10-of-14 shooting performance. His aggressive presence on the offensive glass allowed Boston multiple second-chance opportunities that proved critical against Philadelphia’s defense.
Brown has been closely involved in Queta’s development throughout the season, continuously encouraging and pushing him towards improvement. The game illustrated the outcome of that dedication and support.
I’m very pleased just to see his progression,
Brown remarked.
He’s been working hard all season long. We’ve been in his ear talking to him. He’s done a good job this year. I think he has another level he can tap into. And I feel like he’s starting to tap into that next level.
?Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Guard
Philadelphia’s defensive tactics inadvertently opened up opportunities for Queta, especially with Andre Drummond stepping up on ball screens, leaving gaps inside for Queta to exploit. Boston’s strategy of trusting Queta to read and act accordingly paid off throughout the night.
Their big was up on those screens so those seams were open,
Brown explained.
We just gave him the ball and trusted him to make the right decision every time. He was able to get it going.
?Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Guard
Brown’s trust in Queta reflects the latter’s consistent work ethic and upward trajectory, signaling a promising future impact on Boston’s goals for a championship run.
Celtics’ Deep Roster Provides Balanced Contributions
Alongside Brown and Queta, Derrick White added 21 points and 8 assists, demonstrating effective playmaking. Baylor Scheierman, despite a fractured thumb, contributed 12 points and maintained a plus-15 plus-minus rating. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic continued to provide valuable support off the bench.
Brown highlighted the importance of ball movement, attributing Boston’s offensive rhythm to players’ ability to find and exploit advantages without forcing plays. This approach aligns with the team’s style under head coach Joe Mazzulla, often dubbed ‘Mazzulla Ball.’
A lot of our guys are playing well right now,
Brown noted.
No need to force anything. Just continue to create an advantage and play from there and trust the game after that.
?Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Guard
The Celtics now turn their attention to their upcoming contest against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jaylen Brown Emphasizes Team’s Transformation and Future Prospects
Brown’s comments after Sunday’s game summed up the significant transformation from the earlier stages of the season. The Celtics, through roster shifts and persistent adjustments, have found a defined identity built on teamwork and growth.
Queta’s dominance in the paint, White’s command of the offense, and Brown’s scoring leadership provide a balanced combination that fuels Boston’s strong standing in the Eastern Conference. With 40 wins and a confident roster, the Celtics are positioned to continue their pursuit of success.
Brown’s message was clear and straightforward: this team has evolved and continues to improve with every game, now playing the strong, cohesive basketball necessary to contend at the highest level.
The Celtics’ ongoing development reflects both resilience and potential, making their journey a compelling narrative as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the postseason.
"We've grown, a lot of our players have improved. We are playing good basketball right now."
Jaylen Brown talks with Zora Stephenson after the Celtics win over the 76ers! pic.twitter.com/4XlJumoDAs
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) March 2, 2026
Neemias Queta Legacy Game 👏@nemi1599 scored a career-high in points as tonight's @Gatorade Player of the Game pic.twitter.com/WMgGkcDuVI
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 2, 2026
