The Boston Celtics moved a step closer to the NBA Finals with a gritty 109-100 Game 2 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Despite missing star forward Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined with a wrist injury, the team rallied for a collective effort to take a 2-0 series lead. As the series shifts to Orlando, Boston remains in control but there’s still room for improvement across the roster.
One player under the spotlight is guard Sam Hauser, who has yet to meet expectations this postseason. Once seen as a valuable asset after signing a $45 million extension last offseason, Hauser now finds himself on uncertain footing due to an underwhelming playoff start.
During the regular season, Hauser proved to be a reliable contributor, averaging 8.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 41.6% from beyond the arc. His 19 starts in 71 games and consistent 21.7 minutes per night reflected the trust head coach Joe Mazzulla placed in him. But the postseason has told a different story.
Through the first two games of the series, Hauser has played only 11.5 minutes per game and hasn’t scored a single point, missing all three of his field goal attempts each from long range. More concerning, the Celtics have averaged just 26 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, a stark contrast to other teammates like Payton Pritchard, who leads the team with a 151 offensive rating.
Hauser’s defensive struggles have only amplified the concern. He’s had difficulty staying in front of Magic players and has been prone to ill-timed fouls. With Boston projected to exceed the NBA’s second tax apron next season, Hauser’s future with the team may be in jeopardy if he doesn’t improve soon.
Still, the Celtics head into Game 3 as 5.5-point favorites, hoping Hauser can bounce back before decisions are made.
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