Shocking: 31-year-old has emerged as a leading candidate for the Brighton job.

Sam Hauser’s performance in Game 1 against the Mavericks was a redemption story and a showcase of his resilience and skill.

Coming off a series where he shot a dismal 7 percent from 3-point range, Hauser made a critical impact on both ends of the floor, playing a pivotal role in the Celtics’ 107-89 victory.

One of the game’s defining sequences highlighted Hauser’s resurgence. After Kristaps Porzingis drilled a 3-pointer, blocked a shot, and passed the ball to Jrue Holiday, Holiday found Hauser in the corner. Despite a defender’s hand in his face, Hauser nailed the 3-pointer, extending the lead to 17 points. The shot was a turning point, eliciting ESPN’s Mike Breen’s iconic call, “It’s a Celtic avalanche!”

Hauser’s contributions didn’t stop there. He added another catch-and-shoot 3-pointer with a lightning-fast release time of 0.47 seconds, a testament to his practice and precision. He finished the game 3 for 4 from the field, scoring 8 points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out an assist. His performance wasn’t limited to offense; Hauser played tenacious defense against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, holding his own and even poking the ball away from Doncic at one point. His defensive efforts helped the Celtics maintain their lead and showcased his versatility.

Credit goes to head coach Joe Mazzulla for trusting Hauser despite his prior shooting slump. Mazzulla’s faith paid off as Hauser broke out of his slump in a significant way, embodying the “law of averages” that finally swung in the Celtics’ favor.

Hauser’s turnaround was so impactful that even his defensive prowess drew praise, with Jrue Holiday humorously noting, “Even our white guys guard.” This quip underscores the team’s collective defensive effort and Hauser’s surprising effectiveness against elite scorers like Doncic and Irving.

If Hauser continues this level of play, he adds another layer of complexity for the Mavericks to address, making the Celtics an even more formidable opponent.

The combination of his quick-release shooting and unexpected defensive contributions makes him a valuable asset in the Celtics’ playoff run.