Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Win vs. Lakers
The Celtics got their first win at this year's Summer League Wednesday, defeating the Lakers 95-90.
Boston utilized more zone defense in the second half, leading to stops that helped fuel a 17-5 third-quarter run. The Sin City Celtics outscored the purple and gold 31-17 that frame and 52-37 in the second half.
Now, a look at the bright spots and blemishes from Wednesday's win.
3 Up:
Jordan Walsh:
The former Arkansas Razorback played so well in the second half he earned MVP chants from the crowd.
Jordan Walsh got himself going in the second half with a high-motor play, helping off his primary assignment to pressure the ball, then recovered and poked the rock free from Max Christie, led the charge the other way, and dished to Justin Champagnie for a layup.
After that, the 38th overall selection in this year's draft made four-straight shots, including a pair of threes. Walsh also buried a third triple and a fifth-straight field goal, but it didn't count due to a foul away from the ball.
He finished with a game-high 25 points on 10/20 shooting and went 2/7 from beyond the arc -- this author's written repeatedly about how much he would benefit from widening his base, but in speaking with him, it seems more like the Celtics are focused on his footwork than the former -- for now, at least.
The rookie, who made three of six free throws, also remained impactful on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds.
Defensively, along with the previously referenced steal, he forced two offensive fouls, including a push-off by Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 17th overall pick, in this year's draft. He also knocked the ball free twice on a possession late in the contest, with Boston protecting a five-point lead, keying a crucial stop.
Walsh has had a good showing at Summer League, but of his first three tilts, Wednesday's second half was clearly his best performance in Las Vegas.
And as he let out multiple roars after his team forced a miss, turnover, or at least deflected the ball out of bounds, it reinforced why this fan base is already falling in love with how he approaches the game.
JD Davison:
JD Davison, who the Celtics signed to a second two-way contract on Sunday, led all participants with 11 rebounds, matched that figure in point production, dished out six assists, swiped two steals, swatted two shots, and only committed one turnover in a stat-sheet stuffing display.
Jay Scrubb:
Jay Scrubb registered 15 points in 13 minutes in the first half, including poking the ball free, successfully fighting Colin Castleton for it, then splashing a runner from beyond the arc through the net to beat the buzzer at the end of the opening frame.
The 55th pick in the 2020 draft finished with 18 points on 6/12 shooting, including faring 4/7 from three-point range. The former Clipper and member of the Magic also snagged six rebounds, dished out four assists, and had a steal and a block.
Scrubb continues making a compelling case for one of Boston's remaining two-way roster spots. He's the best player on the Celtics' Summer League squad at creating his shot.
Honorable Mention:
Dalano Banton:
Wednesday night, Dalano Banton, who missed Boston's first two Summer League games due to a finger injury, made his first appearance with his new team.
While he's highlighted for his bright spots and blemishes, focusing on the former first, Banton consistently got into the paint and did well keeping his defender on his back hip as he came downhill off screens.
The six-foot-nine point guard also caught this author's attention with a two-footed floater from the top of the paint that didn't go in but looks like it can be a beneficial tool for him.
The former Raptor wasn't shy about getting shots up, taking 19, the second-most on his team and third-most in the matchup. But along with putting 12 points on the board, he distributed six assists, matching Davison and Castleton for a game-high.
3 Down:
Jordan Walsh:
Walsh was the MVP of Wednesday's win. Also, he's 19, it's Summer League, and there's no such thing as a mistake-free game.
Still, he didn't shoot the ball well, missed three free throws, and struggled to create for himself. He also passed up an open three, only to force a mid-range fadeaway that was off the mark.
And with less than 30 seconds left and the Celtics up by seven, Walsh committed an away-from-the-play foul, leading to a free throw and a put-back by Castleton, keeping the Lakers in the game.
But the Texas native atoned, delivering the dagger with a dunk at the other end after Boston shredded Los Angeles's press defense.
Dalano Banton:
Like Walsh, Banton struggled to create his shot. And neither player found much of a shooting rhythm. They started 6/22, including 1/7 from behind the arc.
The latter finished 3/19, including a missed layup and faring 1/7 from three-point range.
Justin Champagnie:
Justin Champagnie's on a non-guaranteed contract and hasn't done much to help his case for the Celtics keeping him.
In 29 minutes, he had ten points, made 4/11 field goal attempts, and missed all five threes he hoisted. The former Raptor didn't do himself any favors when he fouled Hood-Schifino when he wasn't even contesting the latter's layup, resulting in an ultimately unsuccessful opportunity for an old-school three-point play to shave Boston's lead from eight to five with 5:43 left.
Champagnie continues making his presence felt most on the glass, grabbing seven rebounds. He also had two blocks and a steal.
He's a hard worker and a popular teammate, who players and coaches enjoy having around. And the Celtics might prefer continuing to try to help spur the growth of his game and retaining him as a low-cost end-of-roster option who won't negatively affect the work environment.
But when the Celtics play the Knicks on Friday, it's best he doesn't squander that opportunity.
Further Reading
Here's What the Celtics Received in Finalized Grant Williams Sign-and-Trade
Celtics and Clippers Reportedly a 'Resounding No' for Damian Lillard
The Latest Intel on Celtics' Negotiations with Jaylen Brown
Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics
Despite a 'Big Knot' Above His Knee, Jordan Walsh Says He'll Continue Playing at Summer League
Celtics Reportedly Attend Former All-Star Point Guard's Private Workout
Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'
3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Opener vs. Heat
Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'
