We’re one-half of the best way via the Boston Celtics’ preseason opener in opposition to the Denver Nuggets and issues are going alright. Denver leads 63-56, but it surely’s merely thrilling to be watching Boston play basketball once more.
After a protracted summer time of nothingness, prepare for some halftime sizzling takes, buddy.
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In the beginning, the brand new NBC Sports activities Boston scorebug is completely hideous. I’ve a sense that there’s nonetheless some work to be achieved on the design, however because it stands — YEESH.
Simply to pile on the published a bit extra, I didn’t encounter this, however many individuals appeared to be experiencing an audio delay through the first half.
Tough begin.
The Celtics clearly function on Japanese Time regardless of the place they’re enjoying.
We’re not lengthy faraway from the times when the Cs had been seemingly popping out flat each time they performed a sport whereas the solar was out. With at the moment’s noontime Japanese tip, it seems like they’re again to their outdated methods.
Boston scored simply 9 factors earlier than the primary TV timeout on Friday and a few of their misses had been ROUGH. On prime of that, they gave up a number of possessions with three early turnovers.
They did, nevertheless, reply effectively after a fast breather, capturing a 21-20 lead forward of the second timeout.
Sadly, they’d rating simply 4 extra factors for your entire quarter, trailing 32-25 by the buzzer.
Scorching Wings clearly had no impact on Jaylen Brown
My goodness, Jaylen Brown hasn’t stopped successful since June when he captured a pair of collection MVP awards. This week, he picked up proper the place he left off within the spring. He graced the duvet of “Time” journal, then made fairly the impression throughout an look on “Scorching Ones” Right now, regardless of the crew’s slower begin, he appeared as sharp as ever within the first quarter. JB shortly piled up seven factors, together with a loud slam via site visitors. His protection was simply as vociferous, as he rudely pinned a Vlatko Cancar layup to the glass.
That success didn’t come with no value, although. Brown appeared to harm his hand or wrist (possibly his “groin”) in direction of the tip of the primary, however did wind up returning to the ground earlier than halftime.
‘Preseason P’ is essentially the most sure factor about this Celtics crew
After averaging 15.6 factors per sport within the preseason final 12 months, Payton Pritchard is as soon as once more making his presence identified. Somebody in our “How ‘Bout Them Celtics” pregame stream chat stated that the road on PP to drop 30 was like +875.
Which may wind up being FREE.
The newly-married man exploded for 14 factors within the opening 24 minutes. It is likely to be time for all of us to begin speaking about “husband power” the best way that we discuss “dad power.”
Notable Absences
Up to now at the moment, we haven’t gotten to see any of Boston’s new faces take the ground simply but. Each rookies, Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson, in addition to late-summer signee, Lonnie Walker IV, had been all glued to the bench within the first half.
There was loads of buzz surrounding all three males, however I’ll have to carry off on any sizzling takes for now.
Additionally lacking had been Al Horford (presumably relaxation) and Neemias Queta. Queta is a little bit of a shocking snub, contemplating that he needs to be within the operating for some additional minutes within the early stretch of the season with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined.
Notable Appearances
On a extra constructive be aware, we’ve gotten to get a take a look at Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and second-year wing Jordan Walsh. Kornet began at middle with Horford out, which can say one thing about his standing with Joe Mazzula.
Each Tillman and Walsh performed a wholesome dose of bench minutes. It shouldn’t go unnoticed that as quickly as X checked into the sport Boston ran a play to get him an open three. As for Walshy, he appeared much more comfy than he did in Summer time League, particularly on protection. He had a number of good stands in opposition to the Nuggets, together with a block on a fastbreak.
Additionally, Kevin Garnett and Steve Harvey are in the home!
