# Celtics bench steps up in OT win

> Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. holds court against LeBron James in overtime victory over 76ers.
- Title: Celtics bench steps up in OT win · The Boston Globe | Shortify
- Summary: Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. holds court against LeBron James in overtime victory over 76ers. Celtics' bench players secured a 125-120 overtime win against…
- Keywords: celtics, 76ers, nba, preseason, overtime, chris cenac jr, lebron james, jordan walsh, scheierman, gonzalez, mazzulla, cassell
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/16/sports/celtics-76ers-nba-preseason-exhibition
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: celtics, 76ers, nba, preseason, overtime, chris cenac jr, lebron james, jordan walsh, scheierman, gonzalez, mazzulla, cassell
## Celtics sit starters
The Celtics had no intention of using primary players in Friday night’s preseason finale against the 76ers.
## 76ers star lineup
Philadelphia went with former Celtic Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
## Cenac gets start
Chris Cenac Jr., a rookie born late in LeBron’s fourth NBA season, got the start with training camp invitees.
## Bench players step up
Celtics second-unit players like Luka Garza and Hugo González played key roles in the overtime win.
## Cenac’s performance
Cenac played 19 minutes, scoring 12 points and eight rebounds before fouling out.
## Brown’s return
Jaylen Brown scored 20 points with eight rebounds in his first game against former teammates.
## Cassell’s coaching
Sam Cassell, a veteran assistant, coached the Celtics after Joe Mazzulla handed duties to him.
## Overtime finish
Dillon Mitchell drained a critical 3-pointer with 1:31 left in overtime to secure the Celtics’ 125-120 win.
## Key takeaway

Celtics' bench players secured a 125-120 overtime win against the 76ers' starters in preseason.