The Boston Celtics handled there first exhibition game out in Milan, Italy like it was a important playoff game with everyone making an all around effort.
The Boston Celtics crushed Olimpia Milan 124-91 with PG Isaiah Thomas coming up clutch as always and dropped 18 points, 3 steals, and 4 assists in 21 minutes off the bench. Thomas is an early candidate to win The Sixth Man of the Year award for many critics and could very much win it. Newly acquired PF David Lee showed his clutchness and leadership to the younger guys by scoring 13 points while grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing 3 assists. Lee also contributed 2 steals which for a 6’9 PF is impressive. Other acquired PF Amir Johnson showed off his hops as he was thrown a lob from C Kelly Olynyk and slammed it home. Johnson signed as a free agent from the Toronto Raptors this offseason for a 2 year 22 million dollar contract. Rookie F Jordan Mickey played above the rim today and had a baseline slam. Mickey was drafted in the 2nd round (33rd overall) out of LSU. Mickey played alongside fellow PF Jarell Martin, who was also drafted this year but is down in Memphis playing for the always aggressive Grizzlies. The two of them dominated the rebounds and shot blocks for the Tigers, who made the NCAA Tournament last year but lost to NC State in the 2nd round.
The Celtics as a whole did phenomenal. The C’s shot 56.1% on the floor while 5 different players scored in double figures which is truly remarkable to have those type of players who can come off the bench or play a considerable amount of minutes score that much in a faster paced game. Coach Brad Stevens is heading into the right direction with this type of play and hopefully it pays off for him in the near future. A young core (Hunter, Rozier, Mickey, Olynyk) that has lots of good potential and success throughout college. R.J. Hunter is projected to score approximately 16 points a game according to ESPN but numbers lie sometimes (Sorry Michael Smith and Jemele Hill). Hunter has the potential of scoring 16 points a contest but will he live up to the hype? Same goes to Rozier and Mickey and all rookies in the NBA. But what I saw and how this team performed today was an indication to me and Celtics fans that they are heading into the right direction. Great job Coach Stevens and the entire team for today’s fantastic effort.
Stats by ESPN
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