Boston got off to a slow start in tonight’s Summer League match up with Detroit, but behind who else, Kelly Olynyk, they went into the half up 52-50.
The kid they call “Klynyk” put one on over the first two quarters. Kelly led Boston’s balanced attack on offense with 12 first-half points as well as 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Every Celtic that saw playing time in the first half scored, and the green shot 50% from the field. Chris Babb shot the ball well, going 4 for 5 with 8 points and Colton Iverson & Dairis Bertans each put in 7. Marcus Smart led the Celts in assists at the break with 5 and also had two steals. C’s would need to tighten up the defense a bit though, as Detroit shot 52% from the field themselves.
Both squads struggled to find any offense over the first five minutes of the 2nd half. The C’s looked a bit tentative and turned the ball over quite a bit early in the 3rd Q. But this is Summer League and that’s to be expected. While running the point, Smart continued to be aggressive. He tried to do a bit too much at times, but when guys were open he certainly found them. Mike Moser had a solid quarter-his 6 points, including two treys, helped the C’s to get back on track.
The mood in the arena completely changed late in the 3rd when Dairis Bertans took a hard foul to the head, then banged head first into the stanchion. He was down on the floor for quite a few minutes before being taken out on a stretcher. He was moving his hands & legs, and let’s all hope he’s alright. Brad Stevens & Danny Ainge both looked on intently as EMT’s stabilized Dairis and it appeared that Ainge was also heading to the hospital w/Bertans.
Boston finished off the 3rd quarter strong, and went into the final frame up thirteen, 74-61.
The C’s put the clamps down on defense in the fourth and got some big buckets from Phil Pressey. Some sloppy play & missed free throws made in interesting late, but Boston holds on for the 92-90 win. Hats off to the Pistons’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He almost stole this game away with some ridiculous hoops in the final minute & change. Pope led all scorers with 26 points.
Marcus Smart looked very good on defense, despite having another rough shooting night. He still managed to finish w/14 points even though he shot just 4 of 13. Smart also tallied 2 steals, 6 assists & 5 rebounds. His aggressive D helped lead to 23 Detroit turnovers. Olynyk led the Celtics with 16 points, Pressey had 14 & Colton Iverson had 11 points on 4 of 5 shooting during his 15 mins on the floor.
Celtics are back at it tomorrow, as they play the Magic at 5pm EST.
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