The Celtics have been tested in December.
Between playing many games over different weeks and seeing injuries to its starting five, Boston has looked to the bench for support a lot this month.
In December alone, Jayson Tatum has dealt with a knee issue, Derrick White has popped up on the injury report with a hamstring ailment, while Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are on the mend from shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. Holiday and Porzingis both missed Friday’s important clash against the Pacers.
Before the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke at length about the importance of the Celtics’ “bench identity” and how that unit need to be ready when their name is inevitably called.