Jaylen Brown Exits Due to Hamstring Tightness Plus Key Takeaways from Celtics Preseason Performance
The Boston Celtics faced off against the Toronto Raptors in a recent preseason game, where they achieved a solid victory. Derrick White led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 33 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and handing out 6 assists. Unfortunately, Jaylen Brown exited the game due to hamstring tightness in the first quarter and did not return.
Celtics Defense Impresses
Throughout the game, Boston’s defensive effort was notable. The Raptors managed to score 25 points in both the first and second quarters. However, the Celtics stepped up their intensity, particularly during the second quarter. A highlight was a crucial double-team executed by Payton Pritchard on Brandon Ingram, resulting in a shot-clock violation.
Key Defensive Plays
- The Celtics recorded eight blocks in the first half.
- In the final moments, Derrick White and Neemias Queta effectively blocked Ingram’s shots.
- Josh Minott and Queta combined for additional blocks on a single play.
Rotation Insights from Joe Mazzulla
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla indicated that player rotations may vary from game to game. The Celtics utilized 12 players during the opening quarter, despite Sam Hauser being unavailable due to injury. This depth strategy could benefit the team’s performance moving forward.
Preseason Challenges
One area of concern for the Celtics remains defensive rebounding. This was highlighted in a previous game against the Cavaliers, where Mazzulla swiftly substituted players who neglected their box-out responsibilities. However, the team’s performance improved in this matchup, as they limited the Raptors to just five offensive rebounds out of 27 misses, maintaining an 18.5 percent rate.
Playmaking and Player Development
Payton Pritchard struggled with his shooting, going 0 for 5 from the field and 0 for 4 from beyond the arc in the first half. Nevertheless, he contributed significantly as a playmaker, recording seven assists, including a key dish to Luka Garza for an easy basket.
Neemias Queta, starting in place of Hauser, led the Celtics with 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, rookie Hugo Gonzalez made a strong impression, showcasing his skills with a well-executed layup and several impactful plays, including a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer that helped extend Boston’s lead.
Closing Moments and Roster Updates
Mazzulla has emphasized the importance of closing quarters effectively, a focus that may not have been met by the end of the first quarter, where quick baskets allowed the Raptors to make a run. In a roster update, the Celtics waived RJ Luis Jr., who appeared in three preseason games, scoring 6 points.
The Celtics will be looking to build on their performance as they continue to prepare for the regular season, while also addressing key points of improvement, such as their rebounding issues.
