While the outcome wasn’t optimal (preseason or not, I expect the Cs to beat the 76ers), I am satisfied with the Celtics showing in the 92-89 loss to the 76ers. Why? There were many more positives than negatives.
Here are my takeaways:
1. Al Horford is good
Let’s start with the numbers: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, +19 in 15 minutes of action. Almost flawless. Horford scored from the inside, the outside, off the pick-and-roll and off pick-and-pop. He rebounded against a bigger, stronger and younger Joel Embiid. He moved the ball and even dribbled it up the court. Only thing he didn’t do was introduce me to his sister Anna. Kidding, Al.
2. The offense can function w/o Isaiah Thomas
The Celtics jumped out to a 25-9 lead in the 1st quarter without living on the shoulders of Isaiah Thomas. In fact, he took just one shot in the first quarter. I didn’t think that was possible. IT did lift the team out of its 2nd quarter funk but it’s nice to know the offense can thrive without him scoring.
3. Jaylen Brown has balls
This dude loves to take the ball to the rim, even if a 7-2 athletic monster is standing in his way. He threw down 2 dunks and a circus lay-up late in the 4th quarter with the game on the line. I really liked that 5 of his 7 shots were inside 12 feet. That’s called knowing your game.
4. Summer league Terry Rozier is still here
Stat line (12 points, 5-12 FG, 3 reb, 2 assists, -4 in 26 minutes) aside, Rozier played in control and, more importantly, looked in command of the team out there. His strong play in the Summer League opened a lot of eyes and (while the 76ers guards are close to Summer League quality) he continued it last night.
5. RJ Hunter isn’t making this team
Man, Hunter (0-2, 2 TOs) looked awful. A guy on the bubble simply cannot afford to miss wide open three pointers and commit lazy turnovers. I was really hoping he’d be more like Rozier and less like Joe Forte.
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