Boston Celtics' Mike Muscala (57) drives against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)AP

Mike Muscala suited up for just his third game as a Celtic, but his number was called into action Tuesday as he was pushed into the starting lineup. Boston was down four starters against the Bucks, which meant plenty of minutes for bench players in a crucial nationally-televised game.

Muscala delivered for the shorthanded Celtics, putting up 18 points and eight rebounds in 44 minutes. The Celtics lost an overtime thriller 131-125 to the Bucks in Milwaukee despite missing key contributors up and down the roster. The depth and bench players once again showed up as the C’s were close to pulling off the surprise win.

“He’s been great for us,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said of Muscala. “He came in, we didn’t have really a practice or anything. He just kind of got thrown in, comes in, shoots the ball really well, spaces the floor and competes. And he’s just going to try to get more and more comfortable as it goes on. He’s still learning our offense and learning our defense, but he’s been great for us.”

It’s still a process for Muscala to adjust to his new team as it’s been less than a week since he switched teams at the trade deadline. He also looked gassed Tuesday after all those minutes on the floor. But Muscala looks like a plug-and-play type of guy for the Celtics, and the big man is unafraid to put up open shots.

The Celtics traded for Muscala for depth purposes, and the 6-foot-11 big has been a solid addition thus far. Tuesday’s game was the third straight time Muscala has put up double-digit points. His 12 points and 4-for-8 showing from 3 delighted the Garden crowd as he got his feet wet for the upcoming playoff run.

Boston sent Justin Jackson and two second-round picks to the Thunder for Muscala in the deal. There was a clear emphasis from the C’s front office that they were looking for a big man. While Boston was connected to other big men, the Celtics landed on Muscala to shore up that front court depth. There will be nights in the regular season where Al Horford and Robert Williams III are out, and that’s when Muscala becomes valuable.

“It’s not regular that you see a guy come over to a team 50 games in and make shots immediately and fit in immediately,” Malcolm Brogdon said. “Sort of go through what we are going here seamlessly and that’s what he’s done. I think he’s been tremendous.”

Muscala’s start to his C’s career has been solid. He looked tired down the stretch of Tuesday’s game, but that was natural considering how many minutes he was on the floor. But Muscala knocked down some early shots against the Bucks, which was important for the Celtics to set the tone in Tuesday’s game.

The Celtics will hope that Muscala can be another big man option even in the playoffs. Boston already has Blake Griffin and Luke Kornet, who have both contributed in their roles all season, and Muscala should be part of that mix. For now, the C’s are incorporating their trade deadline acquisition to their schemes, and Tuesday’s heavy minutes should help when it comes to adjusting on the fly.

“Mike’s great,” Sam Hauer said. “He brings a veteran presence, he knows how to play, he’s got a high IQ and he’s been knocking down shots and spreading the floor. That’s been opening things up for guys like Derrick and Malcolm to get to the rim. He’s been great for us.”

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