Summer League Recap: Celtics Get First Win in Vegas

The Celtics will enter the LVSL Tournament with a 1-2 record

After two tough losses, the Boston Celtics got back on track against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. They won 88-82, although they gave up a little of their lead at the end of the game. Boston still played their best game since coming to Vegas and will now enter the LVSL Tournament with a 1-2 record.

They controlled the pace for most of the game and had a well-balanced offensive attack. With only three players scoring in double-figures, everyone contributed a little. Defensively, they didn’t give up as much in the paint as Boston is use to seeing during summer league. Dallas had a more perimeter-oriented attack, but it ended up hurting them in the end as they were cold all night.

To many people’s surprise, Terry Rozier suited up again. He rested during the Celtics last game against the Phoenix Suns, however went back to his usual 30 minutes on Tuesday. Rozier wasn’t as dominate as he made a lot of uncharacteristic turnovers – three turnovers on the night – but he did go to the line an outstanding 18 times.

With players getting 10 fouls during summer league, refs aren’t afraid to send players to the line. Rozier benefited as he went 14-of-18 from the line and finished the game with a team-high 26 points, six rebounds and three steals. Rozier was attacking the basket and his three-point shot was on, as well – 2-of-3 from deep. However, like previously noted, his passing was below par against the Mavs.

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With that being said, 18 free-throws is a ridiculous amount. The Celtics only averaged 23.5 free-throws per game as a team last season, yet went to the line 49 times. Sadly, they only connected on 67.3 percent of their free-throws, but Jaylen Brown shot a decent 12-of-17 from the line.

Brown, despite still struggling with his outside shot, had his best game in Vegas. He was a bigger factor on the glass, and finished with a double-double – 20 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Attacking the glass will open up a lot of opportunities for Brown as he can turn up court and start a fast break.

It’ll give him a better chance of getting a clean look at the basket or kicking it out to a teammate for an open three. He showcased that ability on Tuesday as he was a common leader of the fast break for the Celtics.

Brown still missed a couple of easy layups, however he finally provided the fans with fireworks when he made a highlight dunk in the first half. We’ve seen his athleticism throughout summer league play, but this was the first time he made one of his thundering dunks that makes the crowd giddy.

Abdel Nader put together another solid night. He contributed 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. R.J. Hunter struggled shooting as he went 3-of-11 from the field and just 1-of-5 from three. His presence still helped space the floor and he was able to create opportunities for his teammates as he recorded four assists on the night.

For Dallas, second-year player Justin Anderson quietly put together a big night. He finished with a game-high 29 points and 11 rebounds. Going 8-of-19 from the field, 6-of-12 from three and 7-of-7 from the line, Anderson was attacking in every way possible. He made the biggest impact at the end of the game when the game sped up, however it was clear the whole night why he was a first round pick last year.

Jonathan Gibson came into the game averaging 20 points per game for Dallas during summer league. He once again put on a show as he recorded an impressive 26 points. Gibson was lightning in a bottle for the Mavs as he was always making plays when on the floor. The offense ran through him for most of the night and he provided Dallas with solid defense on Terry Rozier, although he did commit six fouls.

The Celtics held the Mavs to 35.1 percent shooting and finally was able to out-rebound their opponent (37-36). It should instill some confidence into the Celtics after losing two games in blowout fashion prior to their lone win.

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Boston is guaranteed at least two more games, but they’ll continue to play if they win. It’s unknown what seed they’ll receive in the 24-team bracket, but they’ll need to continue to attack the basket if they want to win.