Celtics vs. Nuggets takeaways: ‘Preseason P’ returns with C’s win Originally aired on NBC Sports Boston
The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics picked up where they left off with a win over the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener in Abu Dhabi.
Denver got off to a strong start, taking a seven-point lead by halftime, but Boston regained its form defensively in the final two frames. After allowing 32 and 31 points in the first two quarters, the Sez allowed only 40 total points in the second half.
Naturally, Joe Mazzula’s group did not hesitate to start firing from deep. The Celtics attempted a whopping 61 3-pointers and made 20 of them (32.8 percent). Sixteen of those shots came from the second unit, leading Boston to a 107-103 victory.
The Seeds and Nuggets will be in Abu Dhabi for a rematch on Sunday. Opening tip is set for 10 a.m. ET, with coverage beginning at 9:30 a.m. on NBC Sports Boston.
Here are three quick takeaways from Friday’s preseason opener.
Return of “Preseason P”
NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics play-by-play voice Drew Carter called Peyton Pritchard “Preseason P” during the Central guard’s standout performance in the 2023 preseason. This nickname will be reinstated in 2024.
“Preseason P” dropped a game-high 21 points, including 14 points in the second quarter. He had a team-high six assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes, making 6 of 12 from beyond the arc.
Pritchard had two iconic moments in the 2024 NBA Finals: a half-court buzzer-beater to end the first half of Game 2 and Game 5. Although not from half court this time, Pritchard continued to show that he is virtually automatic in the final. Second quarter seconds.
After the game, Pritchard talked about what he has been working on over the summer to improve.
“My dribbling from the three-ball has become more consistent,” he said. “I thought that was really good because I thought my finishing and mid-range game took a big jump last year.Obviously, I’m always working on that, but I’m also getting more efficient with my dribble shooting from there. “Hopefully,” catch and shoot completes my game.
“Then defensively, just finding ways to charge better, get more hands on the ball, steal more.”
The Celtics will once again rely on Pritchard to lead the bench unit in hopes of repeating that.
shake off the rust
Boston’s starting five looked sharp defensively, but were a little rusty shooting-wise as they prepare for their return.
As a group, they shot 15-of-41 (36.6 percent), including just 5-of-20 (25 percent) from 3-point range. Jayson Tatum (12 points) and Jaylen Brown (8 points) made 4 of 11 and 3 of 9 from the field, respectively.
But Brown had some big moments in the first half. He had a ferocious block followed by an emphatic jam at the other end:
Brown scored seven of his eight points in the first quarter.
Luke Cornett (six points) helped improve the starting five’s field goal percentage by making three of five attempts. Derrick White scored nine points and Jrue Holiday added four points.
“Stay Ready Crew” shines
The Celtics’ supporting cast stole the show in Friday’s win. It all started with Pritchard, but the second unit and other members of the “Stay Ready Crew” stepped forward to secure the victory.
JD Davison played both ends and had 7 points (1-3 FG) with 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block in 12 minutes.
Drew Peterson had 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-5 PT) in 12 minutes. Big men Xavier Tillman Sr. (6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block) and Neemias Keta (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block) helped ease concerns about Kristaps Porzingis’ absence. . Jordan Walsh had nine points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 25 minutes.
There were questions about Boston’s depth at points last season, but it’s safe to say they put an end to that story midway through the championship. Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, the Reserves look set to get even better as they set their sights on Banner 19.
