The Boston Celtics needed their support staff to step up as four of their top eight were sidelined for Monday’s game against the Miami Heat. In fact, the “Stay Ready Crew” lived up to its name.

With Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Sam Hauser out, Boston was able to get contributions from several key players in its 108-89 victory over its Eastern Conference rival. Jordan Walsh made his second NBA start. Payton Pritchard dropped 25 points, marking his fourth straight game with at least 20 points off the bench. Luke Kornet set a career high with six blocks. Drew Peterson played 23 minutes for the second straight game after playing just 30 minutes in his entire NBA career and finished the game with seven points and seven boards.

Neemias Queta added four points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes. Rookie Baylor Scheierman, along with JD Davison and Jaden Springer, even managed a few runs towards the end of the fourth quarter and the victory was all but sealed.

Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who led the way with a game-high 29 points, had high praise for the second unit after the game.

“We have some young stars,” Brown told Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston. “Kudos to our development team. They come and get to work. They listen to our coaching staff and keep getting better. They are ready when their number is called.”

“You never know, guys are hurt, guys are out. They jump in and just blend in, so say hi to them. Jordan, Drew Peterson, JD, even Neemy (Neemias Queta) have been excellent at times, so shout out to those guys.”

Many viewed the Celtics’ bench as a weakness at the start of last season, but it’s clear that depth has become one of the reigning champions’ greatest strengths. Standout second-unit players like Pritchard, Hauser, Kornet and Tillman helped Boston en route to Banner 18, and now it looks like Peterson, Queta and Walsh could play a bigger role in the search for a repeat.

As for Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP missed Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to illness, but was happy to feel like himself again and lead his team to another win on Monday.

“You can’t lose twice in a row,” he said. “I don’t feel at my best, but I just want to be there for my team and help us get a win. A duel can be tough, so we wanted to make sure we came out with the right energy.”

Brown and the C’s will look to maintain the same energy – albeit with a healthier roster – when they host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Kickoff for this match is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.