Inside The Celtics

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. 76ers: Regulars Shine, Roster Battles Intensify

The Celtics improved to 2-1 in the preseason with a 112-101 win over the Sixers.

Bobby Krivitsky

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
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The Boston Celtics improved to 2-1 in preseason play, earning a 112-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Those from the team's top six who suited up looked sharp, leading the visitors to a 67-59 lead at halftime and staging an offensive attack that included converting on 12/24 threes.

More important than the numbers, the Celtics maintained an up-tempo approach and consistently created quality, in-rhythm looks.

And in the second half, roster battles intensified. After a slow start following intermission, those further down the rotation and individuals fighting for a spot on the team locked in defensively, including holding the Sixers scoreless for nearly four minutes in the third quarter.

Consistently getting stops fueled an offense that built a double-digit lead, paving the way to another victory against Philadelphia.

Now for a deep dive into everything that stood out in that win.

1. Having already received an extended run against the 76ers, the Celtics gave star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Wednesday night off.

Boston started Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis.

It's Holiday's first start with the C's after coming off the bench against Philadelphia on Sunday and getting the next night off vs. the Knicks. But what stands out more is Hauser's inclusion.

After a rough start to the preseason, being in the first five with four of the Celtics' top-six players represented a prime opportunity for him to have a better showing.

2. Porzingis brings so much more than his shooting, even when exclusively referring to the offensive end. But having a seven-foot knockdown-shooter with extended range is an incredible complement to Tatum and Brown. All three and the offense collectively will benefit tremendously from each other.

3. In an impressive sequence in the first frame, White earned a Tommy Point, swatting Tyrese Maxey's transition layup attempt before burying a three at the other end.

4. Along with being a sharpshooter and a connector offensively, known for making quick decisions with the ball, White's an underrated driver. He's effective at burrowing his way into the paint and creating the separation needed to launch floaters or display his soft touch around the rim.

Kelly Oubre found out first-hand on a late second-quarter bucket by the former Colorado Buffalo six feet from the basket.

In a testament to his all-around impact, White entered halftime tied with Holiday for a team-high 11 points, four assists, and three blocks. It's evident he's ready to build off the best season of his career.

5. Holiday, White, Porzingis, and Horford got the second half off, a wise decision after how well they looked in the first 24 minutes.

After intermission, Joe Mazzulla started Payton Pritchard, Dalano Banton, Hauser, Oshae Brissett, and Luke Kornet.

6. While Boston's energy dipped in the third frame, a surprising result with Brissett and Lamar Stevens receiving considerable playing time together, the visitors locked in defensively, holding the hosts scoreless for nearly a four-minute stretch starting almost halfway through the period.

That sparked an 18-3 run to close the quarter, propelling the Celtics to a 90-75 lead entering the final 12 minutes.

7. Hauser's opportunity to shake off his preseason shooting struggles, something highlighted upon mentioning his inclusion in Wednesday's starting lineup, is a chance he capitalized on.

The former Virginia Cavalier finished with 15 points on 4/9 shooting, again taking all his field goal attempts from beyond the arc. That included multiple rainbow threes.

8. Pritchard, "Preseason P" as Celtics' broadcaster Drew Carter calls him -- love the nickname -- remains red hot in Boston's exhibition contests.

He showed well defensively, pushed the pace, showed impressive burst, getting to the rim for multiple layups, and led the visitors with 17 points.

9. Svi Mykhailiuk's quick release was on full display against the Sixers. His ability to stay ready off the ball and quickly set himself, including when a pass is low and off target like a first-half feed from Pritchard, he's still able to let it fly in a flash and get off a good shot.

The former Kansas Jayhawk generated 15 points in 19 minutes off the bench, faring 5/6 from the field, including 3/4 from three-point range.

The Ukrainian native also showcased his comfort with handling the ball. That applied to him initiating transition opportunities, creating quality shots for teammates, and orchestrating a pick-and-roll in the half-court that led to him getting downhill and earning a trip to the free-throw line.

Mykhailiuk's fighting for a roster spot he seems poised to earn. Beyond that, if Hauser goes through another shooting slump, Joe Mazzulla has another option he can call on.

10. Neemias Queta made the most of his minutes for the second consecutive preseason game. The athletic seven-footer is an effective screener. And when he rolls to the rim, he demands attention. Even then, he's a lob threat. In the play below, however, Philadelphia gift-wrapped him two points.

Along with registering ten points and a plus-14 plus-minus rating in eight minutes, the Portugal native didn't commit a foul. That comes on the heels of picking up five personals against the Knicks on Monday. The discipline he played with on Wednesday will go a long way toward him staying on the floor, especially when he gets opportunities with the parent club. 

Further Reading

Oshae Brissett's Value to the Celtics on Full Display in Preseason

[Film Room] Lamar Stevens States Case for Celtics' Roster Spot

Here's Who Shined and Who Disappointed in Celtics' Loss vs. Knicks

The Latest on a Potential Celtics Extension with Jrue Holiday

Battle-Tested Payton Pritchard's Emerged Confident, Committed, and Now, Contractually Secure: 'I Won't Let It Ever Break Me'

From Envisioning Being a Buck for Life to Joining Top Rival, Jrue Holiday's Ready to Help Celtics Get Where He's Already Been

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

Determined to Deliver Banner 18, Jayson Tatum's 'Looking Forward to Doing More, And So Should Everybody Else"

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative

Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule

Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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