Celtics-Nuggets takeaways: ‘Preseason P’ returns in C’s win initially appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics picked up the place they left off with a win over the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener in Abu Dhabi.
Denver began scorching and took a seven-point lead into halftime, however Boston discovered its groove defensively over the ultimate two frames. After permitting 32 and 31 factors within the first two quarters, the C’s allowed solely 40 complete factors within the second half.
Unsurprisingly, Joe Mazzulla’s group did not hesitate to fireplace away from deep. The Celtics tried a whopping 61 3-pointers and made 20 of them (32.8 p.c). Sixteen of these 3s had been made by the second unit, which stepped as much as propel Boston to a 107-103 victory.
The C’s and Nuggets will keep in Abu Dhabi for a rematch on Sunday. The opening tip is about for 10 a.m. ET with protection beginning at 9:30 a.m. on NBC Sports activities Boston.
Listed here are three fast takeaways from Friday’s preseason opener.
The return of ‘Preseason P’
NBC Sports activities Boston’s Celtics play-by-play voice Drew Carter dubbed Payton Pritchard “Preseason P” through the C’s guard’s outstanding 2023 preseason run. The nickname is again for 2024.
“Preseason P” dropped a game-high 21 factors, together with 14 within the second quarter. He was 6 of 12 from past the arc with a team-high six assists and 4 rebounds in 24 minutes.
Pritchard had two iconic moments within the 2024 NBA Finals, drilling half-court buzzer beaters to finish the primary halves of Video games 2 and 5. Whereas it wasn’t from half-court this time, Pritchard continued to point out he is just about automated within the ultimate seconds of the second quarter.
After the sport, Pritchard spoke about what he labored on over the summer time to enhance.
“Getting extra constant off the dribble from the 3-ball,” he stated. “I believed my ending and my midrange recreation final 12 months took a giant bounce, so I believed that was actually good. Clearly, I am all the time engaged on that stuff, but when I might be extra environment friendly taking pictures off the dribble from there in addition to the catch-and-shoot, that completes my recreation.
“After which defensively, simply discovering methods to be higher at taking fees, getting extra arms on balls, steals and stuff like that.”
The Celtics will depend on Pritchard to guide the bench unit once more on their quest for a repeat.
Shaking off the rust
Boston’s beginning 5 seemed sharp on the defensive finish however shooting-wise, they had been a bit rusty of their return to motion.
The group mixed to shoot 15 for 41 (36.6 p.c), together with simply 5 for 20 (25 p.c) from 3-point vary. Jayson Tatum (12 factors) and Jaylen Brown (8 factors) shot 4 of 11 and three of 9 from the sector, respectively.
Brown had some large moments within the first half, nonetheless. He had a ferocious block adopted by this emphatic jam on the opposite finish:
Brown notched seven of his eight factors within the first quarter.
Luke Kornet (6 factors) helped increase the beginning 5’s discipline purpose share with three makes on 5 makes an attempt. Derrick White added 9 factors whereas Jrue Vacation chipped in 4.
‘Keep Prepared Crew’ shines
The Celtics’ supporting solid stole the present in Friday’s victory. It began with Pritchard, however others from the second unit and “Keep Prepared Crew” stepped as much as safe the win.
JD Davison was concerned on each ends, tallying seven factors (1-3 FG) with two rebounds, two steals, an help and a block in 12 minutes.
Drew Peterson had 10 factors (4-9 FG, 2-5 3-PT) in 12 minutes. Massive males Xavier Tillman Sr. (6 factors, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block) and Neemias Queta (6 factors, 3 rebounds, 1 block) helped to ease the considerations about Kristaps Porzingis’ absence. Jordan Walsh impressed with 9 factors, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and three blocks in 25 minutes.
There have been questions on Boston’s depth at factors final season, nevertheless it’s protected to say they put that narrative to relaxation throughout their championship run. Heading into the 2024-25 marketing campaign, the reserves look even higher with their sights set on Banner 19.
