NEW ORLEANS — As Jayson Tatum set up the final shot of the Celtics’ game against the Pelicans Friday night, he looked to his right and saw his good friend Javonte Green lurking as a threat to double-team him.

Tatum and Jaylen Brown played the entire second half as Boston fought back against a feisty Philadelphia squad that shot 46.9 percent from 3-point range without three usual starters including Joel Embiid and Paul George. Ultimately, Boston’s hot shooting and improved defensive intensity turned the game around after Mazzulla’s halftime speech.