Home stretch of 2024 season a good opportunity for Boston Celtics bench

Nov 4, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA;  Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) is greeted by Boston
Nov 4, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) is greeted by Boston | Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics have 14 games left in the regular season and have all but locked up the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. You would think the Celtics have nothing to play for and that it will mostly be a boring product. 

However, in recent games, the Celtics bench has stepped up, proving their worth for the postseason.

The final 14-game stretch is an incredible opportunity for the bench guys to solidify their spots in the postseason rotation and to simply put on a show for the fans.

Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard thriving on Boston Celtics bench

The three bench players that I have my eyes on for the Celtics are Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard. I think those three have already done enough to solidify their spot in the playoff rotation, but these last 14 games can help shift the minds of the doubters. All three have been tremendous since the C's schedule softened.

Kornet has come into his role, providing solid rim protection and a lob threat at the rim. He also provides elite meme content that has zero Celtics fans complaining. If you had told me before the season that Kornet would become an impact player by the playoffs, I would have told you that you were crazy.

Hauser has also stepped up, highlighting his elite shot-making ability. The performance that shows Hauser's importance is his 10 three-pointers against the Washington Wizards. Hauser has proved that he can make an impact in the postseason.

Pritchard is another guy who can continue to take advantage of his playing time late in the season. The small, but gritty guard, has come alive in recent weeks, putting on show after show. Pritchard has become an excellent passer, and he can go off for 20 points on any given night. 

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how the bench guys handle the extended workload in what should be blowout victories for the Celtics.

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