Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. 76ers: Extended Run for Top 6, Payton Pritchard Leads Comeback
Joe Mazzulla wasn't bluffing. Saturday at the Auerbach Center, he said he wanted to "get the guys out there in game 1" and that everyone, including Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, was available for the Celtics' preseason opener vs. the 76ers.
And sure enough, everyone was active for Boston's exhibition contest against Philadelphia on Sunday.
And while the top six were sloppy, they generated 39 points in the second quarter, finished on a high note in the third frame, and showcased their versatility and high-end skill level.
And fresh off his four-year, $30 million contract extension, the star of the game proved to be Payton Pritchard, whose performance in the final 12 minutes spurred a come-from-behind victory against the Celtics' division rivals, who they bounced out of the playoffs on the same parquet in May.
Now, a deep dive into Pritchard's performance, how the top six looked, and what else stood out in Boston's 114-106 win over the 76ers.
1. The Celtics started their preseason opener with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis on the floor together. Joe Mazzulla has emphasized the importance of Boston capitalizing on its flexibility, including regarding who's on the court at tip-off. So, expect both big men to start when the matchup calls for it.
2. Porzingis' Celtics' career started with a splash, as he knocked down a three to open the game, much to the delight of those in attendance at TD Garden.
The former All-Star later received the ball in the low post, faced up against Danuel House, then delivered a shoulder shake that sent the latter to the hardwood, as Porzingis sailed in for a thunderous two-handed slam, rattling the rim afterward -- again, receiving a raucous ovation.
The former fourth-overall draft pick also impressed the crowd by skying for an alley-oop, elevating over several 76ers defenders to retrieve the rock before finishing with a flush.
3. Fresh off signing a four-year extension, Payton Pritchard provided an infusion of energy for the crowd and his teammates, banking in a buzzer-beating three while getting fouled. The former Oregon Duck also converted on the ensuing free throw, a four-point play that trimmed Boston's deficit to 29-20 entering the second frame.
4. In an unusual arrangement, the Celtics start the preseason with a back-to-back, traveling to New York to face the Knicks on Monday and play three games in four nights, squaring off in a rematch against the Sixers in Philadelphia Wednesday.
The expectation is Boston's top six won't log many minutes at Madison Square Garden. Multiple starters likely will not play.
With that in mind and Mazzulla wanting to get his top rotation members some run, Horford played 17 first-half minutes, registering five points, four rebounds, and two blocks, including swatting a P.J. Tucker corner three.
Jaylen Brown logged 16 minutes, generating ten points, three rebounds, and a steal in the first 24 minutes.
The other half of the Celtics' star wing tandem, Jayson Tatum, was out there for 15 minutes, producing eight points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Derrick White manufactured five points in 15 minutes, and Jrue Holiday received 14 minutes off the bench, scoring six points, drilling 2/4 threes, and grabbing three rebounds.
5. It's not surprising, but it is noteworthy that Mazzulla stuck with the same starting five for the second half, wanting them to get back into the routine of taking the court after intermission. Holiday also got more run following the break.
While the two-time All-Star played until there was 1:09 left to go in the third period, the starters subbed out at the 2:06 mark. None of the top six returned after that.
Mazzulla's leaving them in as long as they were led to the newest member of Boston's backcourt delivering a dime, snapping a bounce pass by a Sixers defender, leading Brown for a one-handed jam.
6. The Celtics top six were sloppy in their preseason opener, committing 13 turnovers in the first three quarters, including six in the third frame. That resulted in 13 points for the Sixers, who only manufactured two of those six giveaways in the third period.
While this team's reputation for not taking care of the basketball is one Boston's earned, much of Sunday's struggles in this regard seemed due to this being an exhibition contest.
7. While the top six weren't crisp, Pritchard made the most of his minutes, including a fourth-frame eruption, knocking down three of his first four shots, including a pair from beyond the arc.
The 25-year-old combo guard generated 16 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. He scored from all three levels, pushed the pace, and attacked off the dribble, including going strong to the cup and producing an old-school three-point play.
His performance in the final 12 minutes propelled the Celtics to a come-from-behind victory, 114-106, starting the preseason off on the right foot.
Further Reading
Celtics, Payton Pritchard Agree to Long-Term Extension
Jayson Tatum Reacts to Damian Lillard Joining Bucks, Discusses Celtics' Urgency to Win Now
Sensing Celtics' Excitement, Intensity, Paul Pierce Believes Jrue Holiday's 'The Missing Piece'
Celtics seek long-term marriage with Jrue Holiday
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement
