Celtics-Nuggets takeaways: “Preseason P” returns in C’s win originally appeared 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 started hot and took a seven-point lead into halftime, but Boston found its groove defensively over the final two frames. After allowing 32 and 31 points in the first two quarters, the C’s allowed just 40 total points in the second half.
Unsurprisingly, Joe Mazzulla’s group did not hesitate to fire away from deep. The Celtics attempted a whopping 61 3-pointers and made 20 of them (32.8 percent). Sixteen were made by the second unit, which stepped up to propel Boston to a 107-103 victory.
The C’s and Nuggets will remain in Abu Dhabi for a rematch on Sunday. The opening tip is set for 10 am ET with coverage starting at 9:30 am on NBC Sports Boston.
Here are three quick takeaways from Friday’s preseason opener.
The return of “Preseason P”
NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics play-by-play voice Drew Carter dubbed Payton Pritchard “Preseason P” while the C’s guard. outstanding 2023 preseason run. The moniker returned for 2024.
“Preseason P” dropped a game-high 21 points, including 14 in the second quarter. He was 6 of 12 from beyond the arc with a team-high six assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes.
Pritchard had two iconic moments in the 2024 NBA Finals, drilling half court buzzer beaters to end the first halves of Games 2 and 5. While it wasn’t from half-court this time, Pritchard continued to show that he is almost automatic in the final seconds of the second quarter.
After the game, Pritchard talked about what he worked on over the summer to improve.
“More consistent off the dribble of the 3-ball,” he said. “I thought my finishing and my mid-range game last year made a big jump, so I thought that was really good. Obviously, I’m always working on that, but if I can be more efficient shooting off the dribble from there as well. like the trap and shoot, that completes my game.
“And then defensively, just finding ways to be better at charging, getting more hands on balls, steals and things like that.”
The Celtics will rely on Pritchard to lead the bench unit once again in their quest for a repeat.
Shaking off the rust
Boston’s starting five looked sharp on the defensive end but shooting-wise, they were a little rusty in their return to action.
The group combined to shoot 15 for 41 (36.6 percent), including just 5 for 20 (25 percent) from 3-point range. Jayson Tatum (12 points) and Jaylen Brown (8 points) shot 4 of 11 and 3 of 9 from the field, respectively.
Brown had some big moments in the first half, though. He had a ferocious block followed by this emphatic jam at the other end:
Brown scored seven of his eight points in the first quarter.
Luke Kornet (6 points) helped boost the field goal percentage of the starting five with three makes on five attempts. Derrick White added nine points while Jrue Holiday chipped in four.
‘Stay Ready Crew’ shines
The Celtics’ supporting cast stole the show in Friday’s win. It all started with Pritchard, but others from the second unit and “Stay Ready Crew” stepped up to secure the win.
JD Davison was involved on both ends, tallying seven points (1-3 FG) with two rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block in 12 minutes.
Drew Peterson had 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-5 3-PT) in 12 minutes. Big men Xavier Tilman (6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block) and Neemias Queta (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block) helped ease concerns about Kristaps Porzingis’ absence. Jordan Walsh impressed with 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 that narrative to rest during their championship run. Going into the 2024-25 campaign, the reserves look even better with their sights set on Banner 19.
