Maine Celtics Hold Off Grand Rapids in Tight G League Matchup

Celtics maintain playoff position with narrow victory over Gold

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:06am

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The Maine Celtics held off a late comeback attempt by the Grand Rapids Gold to win 96-91 in an NBA G League game on Friday night at the Portland Expo. Hayden Gray led the Celtics with 18 points and 8 assists, while DaRon Holmes II scored 36 points for the Gold. The Celtics, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, improved their record to 15-16 with the critical victory.

Why it matters

The G League playoff race is tight, and this win keeps the Celtics in contention for a postseason berth. As an affiliate of the Boston Celtics, the Maine Celtics' success is important for developing young talent and maintaining a strong pipeline to the NBA.

The details

The Celtics built a 20-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Gold mounted a furious comeback, twice getting as close as 4 points. However, the Celtics were able to hold on for the 96-91 victory. In addition to Gray's strong performance, the Celtics also got key contributions from Keon Johnson (17 points off the bench), Jalen Bridges (16 points), and John Tonje (16 points).

  • The game was played on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Hayden Gray

A key player for the Maine Celtics, scoring 18 points and dishing out 8 assists in the win.

DaRon Holmes II

The standout performer for the Grand Rapids Gold, scoring a game-high 36 points in the losing effort.

Maine Celtics

The NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics, fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Grand Rapids Gold

The opponent of the Maine Celtics, also competing for a spot in the G League playoffs.

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What’s next

The Maine Celtics have 5 games remaining in the regular season as they continue their push for a playoff berth.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory keeps the Maine Celtics in the hunt for a G League playoff spot, demonstrating the team's resilience and ability to hold off a late comeback attempt. The Celtics' success is crucial for developing young talent and maintaining a strong pipeline to the NBA.