Celtics showed their Fortitude in recent wins

PORTLAND, Maine. - Fortitude. It's defined as "strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage."

"When you're down and facing adversity, do you have the mental fortitude? We had that tonight," Celtics Head Coach Phil Pressey said after Maine defeated the Capital City Go-Go 112-109 in overtime on Saturday.

Fortitude was Pressey's Word of the Day ahead of Saturday night's game against the Go-Go. Maine was playing their third home game in four days; all part of a stretch that saw the Celtics play five games in eight days. Pressey challenged the Celtics to overcome fatigue, overcome playing without their leading scorer Ron Harper Jr., and overcome a tough Capital City team.

"The mentality is to never give up. Next point mentality," said Jalen Bridges after Saturday's win. "Just move on, fix it, comfort each other, protect your teammate and we really bought into that, especially defensively."

Maine had recently lost four of their last five games, but earned an important victory over the Noblesville Boom on Friday. Amari Williams led the way with 30 points and 14 rebounds in the win, but the challenge was to do it again in less than 24 hours against a 3-1 Capital City team. Maine found themselves down double digits in the fourth quarter. That's where that Fortitude kicked in for the Celtics. Maine would not waiver and some big performances led the Celtics to a thrilling victory.

"To come out and make sure we took care of business and even when things get tough, we don't waver. I think that showed in the last two games for sure," said Amari Williams.

Williams' performance is the first thing that jumps off the box score. After scoring a career-high 30 points against the Boom, the Celtics Two-Way player set a new career-high on Saturday with 33 points and 16 rebounds. For the second straight night, Williams powered the Celtics down the stretch; getting to the basket at will and was a force on the glass.

"I think he's been tremendous. It's a testament to who he is as a person and player. He's super versatile," Bridges said. "He's probably our best playmaker and he's seven feet tall."

Two games prior on New Years Eve, Williams recorded his second triple double of the season, notching 12 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a losing effort to Noblesville. But on Friday and Saturday, with no Ron Harper, Williams showed a new level of confidence and competitive fire that brought the crowd at the Portland Expo to their feet.

"I think the coaching staff instilled in me to be aggressive. Go out there and be nasty," Williams said. "Don't let anyone push me off my spots. My teammates help me a lot too, and they've been stepping up big time, too."

That brings us to a pair of key performers off the bench, Kameron Warrens and Pedro Bradshaw. Bradshaw was acquired shortly before the Noblesville game on Friday, and the veteran forward made his presence felt in both Celtics' wins. Against the Go-Go, Bradshaw had nine points, six rebounds, and one steal in 16 minutes. He made multiple savvy plays, and along with Warrens brought a level of energy Maine was missing when they were down double digits to Capital City.

"Those two guys they bring that energy," Williams explained. Every guy off the bench brings that for us, and when things go badly, they're the first ones to pick us up. Kam loves a challenge, and you see him out there, being gritty. Pedro just joined us and to see everything he did on defense was great, too."

Warrens was named Defensive Playmaker of the Game by the coaching staff after the thrilling win. Warrens and Bradshaw provided the defensive activity that aligns with the identity the Celtics have been focused on all season long. After recently missing five games due to injury, Warrens had a tough shooting night, but he got the nod down the stretch in overtime and proved why he's a key leader for this Celtics team.

"His energy is contagious. When it is quiet, Kam is talking," Bridges explained. "He's the one getting the vibes up and he's probably one of our best leaders on the team. When he talks, people listen. You just honestly love going to war every night with somebody like that.

Finally, Bridges gets the nod with the big shot of the night. Playing to a target score of 112, Bridges was the man who delivered the dagger and said goodnight to the Go-Go. The Baylor product was 0-4 from three in the game, but when Maine had a five on four advantage, Bridges showed his Fortitude and buried the corner three to seal the second straight win for Maine.

This week, the guys get a chance to rest get back to practice. They get to be at home for a couple days, watch film and regroup before another test awaits. The Salt Lake City Stars, winners of the Winter Showcase Tournament come to town on Thursday and Friday. Sounds like opportunity for Maine to show that Fortitude to one of the G League's best teams in front of a raucous Expo crowd.

"Just another game for us. Being able to say the most important game is the next game, and the next game is Salt Lake City," Pressey said. "We will take it like any other game and prepare. Being able to get another rematch and play them again at home, I'm excited for that opportunity."

Tickets for Thursday and Friday's games against Salt Lake City can be found here.