Anfernee Simons hit six 3-pointers and scored 25 points as the Boston Celtics earned their first win of the 2025-26 season, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 122-90 on Monday night at Smoothie King Center.
Boston trailed by just five before pulling away in the fourth quarter, outscoring New Orleans 31-4 over the final 9:14. Simons scored 12 of his points in the period to secure the dominant finish.
Payton Pritchard added 18 points, while Luka Garza contributed 16, and both Jaylen Brown and Josh Minott finished with 15 points each. Sam Hauser hit two key 3-pointers in the closing minutes to help Boston extend its lead.
The Pelicans, playing without Zion Williamson due to a left foot bone bruise, dropped to 0-3. Jordan Poole led New Orleans with 22 points, and rookie Derik Queen added 12, but the team could not keep pace with Boston’s offensive surge.
Poole’s 3-pointer briefly cut the Celtics’ lead to 91-86 early in the fourth, but Simons responded with three 3-pointers in the decisive run. Boston finished shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range.
Boston’s bench contributed with Hauser and Chris Boucher helping maintain momentum. The team dominated the glass, outrebounding New Orleans 54-35 and recording 25 assists on 46 made baskets.
The Celtics had dropped their first three games but improved their record to 1-3 with this performance. Boston will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
New Orleans continues its road trip on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets, looking to secure its first victory of the season.
