Though the rust was certainly evident (as expected), we got our first glimpse at the new-look Celtics in game action during Sunday night’s 114-106 win over the Philidelphia 76ers in the preseason opener.
It was an exciting night for the Celtics fans, as the TD Garden crowd was roaring throughout the evening as they finally got their first glimpse at the new-look Celtics. Even in preseason action, the energy in The Garden was electric all night, leaving newcomer Kristaps Porzingis speechless.
"That was insane. That was insane for a preseason game. I don't know what to say,” Porzingis said. “I'm very happy to be a Celtic. I'm not gonna lie."
Despite each of Boston’s top-six rotational guys (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Al Horford) logging 20+ minutes, it was Payton Pritchard who stole the show. Pritchard, who had agreed to a four-year, $30 million extension just hours before the game, erupted for 26 points and took over late in the game, pouring in 16 fourth-quarter points.
Overall, it was a successful night for the Celtics.
“We played with physicality. Defensively, we played with the right mindset, we played with the intentionality of trying to do the right thing,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said postgame. “As long as our intention is there, and our effort is there, and our mindsets are there. We didn’t execute great, but it’s our first game. I care about the other stuff.”
Here are three takeaways from an encouraging preseason opener from the Celtics.
The starting lineup
Mazzulla warned the media on Saturday not to read into Sunday night’s starting lineup.
However, it’s tough to ignore the interesting decision that was made Sunday night, as Mazzulla went with a double-big lineup to start, with White, Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, and Horford, leaving Holiday to come off the bench. Mazzulla noted that Holiday’s late arrival to camp was a factor, and Holiday did look out of sorts at times.
What the starting lineup will be remains a mystery. Mazzulla has preached the importance of having flexibility when it comes to the lineup, even mentioning postgame there will be different lineups used.
“There is going to be a bunch of different lineups, especially during the preseason, and we’ll be able to keep that open mind and that flexibility throughout the year,” the bench boss said. “We’ll see a bunch of different lineups during the year.”
The idea of a matchup-based lineup is interesting, and it’s something you don’t see much in the NBA, but the Celtics have the talent for it.
As Holiday figures to be slotted into the starting lineup, it’s interesting he came off the bench Sunday, as he didn’t get as many reps with the unit he will likely spend the most time with.
You can only have five men on the court, and with a team as talented as the Celtics, sacrifice will be needed, which isn’t a concern for Mazzulla. “Our guys are open-minded. They’re ready to play together, they’re ready to sacrifice. They’re ready to do whatever it takes to win.”
The starting and closing lineups will be a discussion every game, which isn’t necessarily a bad problem to have if you are Mazzulla and the Celtics.
Kristaps Porzingis shines in debut
It was quite the debut for Porzingis, as he finished with 17 points and five rebounds in just under 25 minutes of work. Porzingis had things going right from the start, knocking down a three from the wing on the first possession of the game. The 7-foot-3 big man scored seven points in the first eight minutes.
Porzingis also impressed on the defensive end, forcing misses and recording a block.
“It’s a good first step to keep building our chemistry,” Porzingis said postgame.
Oshae Brissett and Lamar Stevens make their presence felt
Boston added some wing depth in the offseason by signing Oshae Brissett and Lamar Stevens and drafting Jordan Walsh (Who did not play Sunday). Who would see playing time at the wing behind Tatum, Brown, and Hauser is a question entering this season, but Brissett and Stevens made the most of their opportunities Sunday night.
Brissett played 18 minutes, finishing with a team-high plus-minus of +14, which was only better than Stevens, who finished with a +12. Though it didn’t count, the 25-year-old had the play of the game with this nasty put-back dunk.
Stevens only played the final 5:14 of the game but made a lasting impact. The Celtics trailed 101-97 when Stevens checked in and finished the game on a 17-5 run. Stevens finished with five points and three boards, all coming at a crucial time. Stevens also showed his versatility, playing center.
Both wings brought a sense of energy, physicality, and toughness on Sunday night, traits that Mazzulla is looking for from his team.
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