The Celtics dropped their first game of the preseason Monday night, falling to the New York Knicks 114-107. Playing the second game of a back-to-back, the Celtics were without their top-six rotational guys (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Al Horford,) leaving more opportunity for the bench guys.
Rookie Jordan Walsh made his preseason debut, finishing with four points, seven rebounds, and two steals. The 19-year-old’s defense looked as advertised, as he impressed with his work on the defensive end and the glass.
Boston’s reserves hung around with New York’s top unit in the first half and kept it close until the final minute before the Knicks pulled away. Despite the loss, it was another encouraging showing from the C’s. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has preached the importance of playing with intensity and the right mindset, and that’s exactly what Boston’s reserves did Monday, as evidenced by their 17 offensive rebounds.
Here are some ups and downs as the Celtics from Boston’s preseason game number two.
Ups:
Payton Pritchard
After exploding for a game-high 26 points in Boston’s come-back victory on Sunday night, Pritchard picked up right where he left off on Monday. The 25-year-old finished with 21 points, tying New York’s Immanuel Quickley for a game-high, and dished out five assists.
Fresh off a new four-year, $30 million extension, through two games this preseason, Pritchard has now totaled 47 points, shooting 16-of-29 (55%) from the field, 10-of-22 (45%) from three, dished out nine assists, and snatched four steals.
Pritchard has also impressed as a passer and has shown growth finishing around the rim.
Lamar Stevens
Stevens, who signed an Exhibit 9 deal with the Celtics back in September is earning himself a spot on the roster.
After an impressive showing in the final minutes of Sunday’s win, Stevens had himself a nice night again on Monday. The ex-Cavalier finished the night with 11 boards, eight rebounds, and a steal. Three of his eight rebounds came on the offensive end.
Stevens has brought versatility, physicality, and toughness on the defensive end. He has also made the hustle plays that stand out in preseason play. With the Celtics putting a clear emphasis on defense this season, Stevens is a perfect candidate to claim a roster spot.
Dalano Banton
Banton got the start on Monday night and made the most of it. The 23-year-old finished the night with 20 points on 8-of-19 (42.1%) shooting. The 6-foot-7 guard impressed with his ability to finish at the rim.
Banton brings versatility on both ends of the floor, and Monday was a step in the right direction as he looks to secure a spot in the rotation.
Oshae Brissett
Through two games, Brissett has been very impressive. The 25-year-old is a phenomenal athlete and has had an impact on both ends of the floor. Brissett finished with 10 points and five boards in 23 minutes of action on Monday.
Brissett plays with high energy on both ends of the floor and is looking like the first wing off the bench behind Sam Hauser.
Downs:
Sam Hauser
Speaking of Hauser, he has struggled so far this preseason. Through two games, the 25-year-old has shot a combined 2-of-15 (13%) all from deep. Despite the poor shooting, Hauser has found other ways to impact the game, grabbing a game-high eight rebounds on Monday.
It’s worth noting Hauser shot 41.8% from deep a season ago, which was good for 16th best among qualified players. Don’t expect this slump to last.
Luke Kornet
With Kornet expected to assume a bigger role this season as the team’s third center, his start to the preseason hasn’t been ideal. Though he has been effective as a screener, the six-year vet has struggled to take care of the ball and keep opponents off the glass.
Kornet registered a team-worst -12 plus-minus on Sunday and followed up with a -10 on Monday. Kornet is a fine option for the team’s third center. However, more production is needed.
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