Why Tonight's Game Means More Than Most to Celtics big man Noah Vonleh

In Boston's first two games, both wins, Vonleh has been one of the team's top big man performers with his scoring, energy and overall impact on play.

Noah Vonleh had to call an audible in his usual pre-game routine prior to tonight's game against the Orlando Magic.

Not a surprise when you consider the Haverhill, Massachusetts native was going to make his first start with his hometown team, the Boston Celtics in place of Al Horford (load management).

Shortly after getting the news, he called his mom.

"It's not my first start, but it is my first start here, with Boston, wearing the Green and White," Vonleh said. "That's going to make this game a special one for me."

Vonleh, in his eighth NBA season, has started 171 times with this being his first since the 2019-2020 season with Minnesota.

"I just want to go out there, continue to help the team, bring energy ... just keep doing the things that help get me on the floor."

In the first two games, Vonleh has averaged 3.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game.

While the numbers don't exactly stand out, the same can not be said for his impact on play when he's on the floor.

This season, the Celtics are a plus-17 when Vonleh is on the floor - tops among all Boston players this season.

While it is a relatively small sample, it speaks to how Vonleh has made the most of his opportunities to get on the floor this season.

"Like I said, I just want to help the team win," he said. "I know my role. I'm not going to be out there shot-hunting. I know what I do to help this team win, and that's exactly what I plan to keep on doing."