That was quite a start to Summer League, huh?
The Celtics outlasted the Raptors, 83-80, in an overtime thriller Friday night in Las Vegas. Amari Williams led the way with an emphatic 23 points and 13 rebounds. John Tonje contributed 20 on five 3-pointers, and Hugo González was far from efficient, but provided 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in 37 minutes.
Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. (14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks) buried a corner 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining to tie it. It wasn’t always pretty from the Celtics, but they hit their stride as the game progressed and saved their best for last.
Here are 15 thoughts on their debut:
1. Summer League is electric.
Let’s start with a general, all-encompassing thought: real basketball lovers have an absolute blast watching Summer League. It’s so much fun evaluating these guys as they fight for their professional lives and try to prove they belong. The defense is impressive, the hustle is there and the passion is undeniable.
2. Amile Jefferson deserves this opportunity.
Amile Jefferson pushed all the right buttons down the stretch in this one. He has a unique perspective because he was once in their shoes, on the cusp of making the NBA and desperately trying to get there. Jefferson and Cenac Jr. have somewhat similar games (not the same, but there’s some overlap), so it helps to have him there to mentor him.
3. It was nice to see the veterans show their support.
It’s always cool when the players on the NBA roster come watch the young guys. When you see Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh in the stands, that gives you an extra jolt. A little team bonding never hurts, even in July.
4. The start was not exactly picturesque.
The Celtics figured it out as they went, but it wouldn’t be accurate to call this one pristine from start to finish. They struggled with Toronto’s ball pressure in the first half and seemed to be sped up, often driving into double teams and getting caught in the air. This can happen sometimes in Summer League, because everyone plays with desperation, but it will be interesting to monitor how they come out to start the next few games.
5. Then, they figured it out, and it was a joy to watch.
The Celtics had just 40 points with 3:48 left in the third. Tonje buried a triple to cut the deficit to 8, then they took that momentum and ran with it. They scored more points in the final 16 minutes (43) than they did the first 26 (40). Credit to the players and coaches for meeting the moment.
6. The rookie had the play of the game.
Cenac Jr. already has a signature moment, and it only took him one game. His former college teammate, Milos Uzan, deserves praise as well for splitting two defenders and spraying the ball to him on the money in the corner. Cenac Jr. timed it well, got his feet set and fired away. The result was pure, and it kept the Celtics alive. He impressed all night as a rebounder, rim runner and floor spacer. I see the vision and why they picked him.
7. John Tonje can really shoot it.
It seems like Tonje maximizes each opportunity that comes his way. He’s always ready to shoot and frequently hits pivotal shots at key moments. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him carve out more of a role in the next couple years, whether it’s with the Celtics or a different team.
8. Amari Williams showcased his college skill set.
It can be difficult to come into an NBA came and show your true skill set in just a few minutes. In an extended run Friday, as a leader of the group, Williams played like he did in college. He’s a better passer than people realize and operates effectively out of the high post as an adept decision maker. Williams finished with conviction inside and also displayed impressive touch.
9. Is Hugo OK? It looks like a bowling ball fell on his arm.
Seriously, what happened? That bruise was huge. Maybe it affected his shot more than we realize. Who knows? González had kind of a funny game, and it was definitely a mixed bag. He almost looked like a kid who had too much sugar and didn’t know how to react. But give him credit, too. As the game progressed, he realized his shot wasn’t falling and decided to attack the basket. He also thrived as a rebounder and passer all night and put his teammates in ideal positions.
10. Dillon Mitchell is a heck of an athlete.
The rumors are true. Dillon Mitchell can really get up there. He’s a blur in transition, plays hard defensively and is more athletic than almost everyone who stands in his way. The next steps for him are obvious: develop some moves, work on his jump shot and improve his decision making. If he’s able to make strides in those areas, watch out. Even if he’s not, he’s a weapon because of his bounce.
11. I was surprised to see Alondes Williams struggle.
Alondes Williams was a super fun player to watch in college and I’ve always admired his game. When I saw he was on the Summer League roster, I thought it would be a chance for him to prove himself and showcase the versatility that makes him sparkle. It didn’t happen Friday, but he still has time, so don’t be surprised if he figures it out in the games to come.
12. Milos Uzan has elite feel for the game.
Uzan is another guy I really liked watching in college. He’s a true floor general, plays with Houston tenacity and is a better shooter than he gets credit for. Uzan had some decent looks that just didn’t go down, and he finished a game-high plus-17 with five assists in 30 minutes. With all due respect to old friend Max Shulga, I give Uzan an edge in nearly every category. Keep an eye on him as well.
13. I really like Allen Graves.
Sorry, a quick non-Celtics note. Raptors forward Allen Graves is legit. He’s 6 feet, 9 inches, can really shoot it and has a great feel for the game. He was a steal at No. 19, and I think he has a chance to blossom into the No. 3 or No. 4 option on a contender in his prime.
14. I don’t like the one free throw for two points trial run.
Call me old-fashioned, but I think players should get two or three free throws every time they step to the line. What is this one attempt for two points garbage? I get why they’re trying it, and it does speed up the game a bit, but I don’t think it works. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that’s my two-cents.
15. I want to make it to Summer League someday.
It’s always been on my bucket list. I hope I can make it happen. It’s pure hoops.
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