The Boston Celtics were expected to struggle more than usual heading into the 2025-26 regular season, but not so much so that they made history . The C's hadn't gotten off to a 0-4 start since the 1970-71 campaign. However, heading into a Monday night showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans , there was a chance they'd match that dismal feat set over five decades ago.

Instead, the Celtics came alive in the fourth quarter to flatten the Pelicans 122-90 at the Smoothie King Center, giving them their first win of the new season. Boston outscored New Orleans 35-12 in the final frame and pushed its 11-point halftime lead to 20 with 4:49 remaining.

From there, the undermanned Pelicans couldn't recover. They were without two-time All-Star Zion Williamson due to a left foot bone contusion

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