The Celtics remained dominant in the preseason even though most of their regular players didn't play

The Celtics built a 34-point lead behind another barrage of 3-pointers, ultimately securing a 115-111 win after a quieter second half that featured mostly third- and fourth-down strikers. It was the third straight preseason game in which the Celtics had a lead of at least 30 points.

“Especially with these guys not playing, we needed someone to help us,” said sophomore forward Jordan Walsh. “I think that was the responsibility of every single person that was out there tonight and I feel like that’s the approach that we all took in the game.”

Lonnie Walker had 20 points and Payton Pritchard had 19 points and 9 assists. Boston started the game with five 3-pointers in a row, but then made just 13 of 48 shots.

The Celtics' preseason ends Tuesday with their visit to the Raptors. This gives them about a week to prepare for the season opener on October 22nd against the Knicks.

Observations from the game:

▪ Al Horford sat out the fourth game in a row. Coach Joe Mazzulla reiterated that the 38-year-old big man is fine and said Horford is scheduled to play on Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see how Mazzulla handles big player rotations with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined and Boston often prioritizing rest for Horford. It is clear that Luke Kornet will be the first option, but there will also be minutes for Tillman and Neemias Queta.

Mazzulla likes Tillman's versatility and he has shown improved 3-point shooting this preseason, while Queta has the attributes of a traditional center. He had some good moments as a roller on Sunday night and also grabbed 15 rebounds.

“These guys have a hard time because they have to play a different role every night or for a season,” Mazzulla said. “But Neemie’s defensive awareness and execution have grown, as have his offensive effectiveness, defensive play and spacing. So he’s another guy who takes his role seriously and he’s fun to watch.”

Queta said Mazzulla stressed to the substitutes that they basically need to be prepared for anything, especially at the start of the season.

“I feel like we’re embracing it and making it our own,” Queta said. “It was just another example of how much we can contribute to victory.”

▪ Walsh, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds, was one of the pleasant surprises of this preseason. He looks comfortable and confident, and there's certainly a world for him pushing into the regular rotation.

In the opening minutes Sunday, he aggressively attacked the hoop, looking for a dunk before eventually rolling in for a layup when he was fouled. Late in the second quarter, he shook off his defender with a deft, hesitant dribble before getting to the basket for another hard layup.

“It feels good to have a year behind me,” Walsh said. “I somehow know what to expect with the season and the team. I know how to play with the team. So I feel like that’s most of next year.”

Walsh seemed able to push the ball upfield on quick counterattacks, and his 3-point shooting seemed more fluid. He said he didn't make any changes to his sweater this offseason but was pleased with the results.

“(He) is starting to carve out a role for himself and just has a really good attitude about it,” Mazzulla said. “So it’s been fun watching him grow.”

▪ Is Sam Hauser now a rim protector? One night, after knocking off a Guerschon Yabusele attempt at the rim, Hauser knocked down Gradey Dick's drive in the first quarter.

▪ Last week, Pritchard pointed out that even though the Celtics' top rotation players would only play in one game in this back-to-back series, he was eager to play in both. He enjoys these opportunities, even in games that don't count, and his engine doesn't stop.

So it was no surprise when he scored 19 points on 7 of 11 shooting along with 6 assists and 5 rebounds in Boston's dominant first half.

“I think we all need to take advantage of these situations,” Pritchard said, “simply because it allows you to continue to grow your game and show the world that many of us are capable of taking the next step.”

There were some murmurs of anticipation when Pritchard burst upfield to score a deep three-pointer just before the first-quarter buzzer – his trademark move last season – but that chance fell just short.

▪ There was a lot of talk about the “2024 NBA Champion” in the announcements and promotions the last two nights at TD Garden. The assumption here is that it will be toned down a bit once the banner is raised and the season opener against the Knicks begins. Mazzulla has made it clear that he doesn't want this team to live in the past or be distracted by the idea of ​​becoming champions again.

Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.