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Boston Celtics: The preseason continues with another blow-out win over Cavs

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Jaylen Brown #7, Daniel Theis #27, and Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics react on the bench after a teammate makes a three pointer in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on October 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Jaylen Brown #7, Daniel Theis #27, and Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics react on the bench after a teammate makes a three pointer in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on October 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics blew-out the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-72 on Sunday. The C’s will play the Cavs again on Tuesday in Cleveland.

The Boston Celtics ran right through the Cleveland Cavaliers in their third preseason game of the year with a 118-72 victory at the TD Garden on Sunday afternoon. It looks like coach Brad Stevens is still mixing different players and units together to see what different players can create with each other.

It took the Celtics just under four minutes to score the first basket of the game. Kemba Walker connected on a lengthy three-pointer to start the game. I learned that dating back to his days at UCONN, Kemba has pure confidence in shooting the deep ball, regardless of who is guarding him. Kemba finished the game with 12 points, one rebound, and one assist.

Robert Williams played yet another great game for Boston. From year one to two, he’s improved drastically, especially the way he maneuvers around the court. He needs to work on developing a shot and find a comfortable spot to shoot from. “The Time Lord” finished the game with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting. Also tallying three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks, Williams’ +19 is the highest of all the centers on the team.

Jaylen Brown got off to a slow start. All of Brown’s points came in the second quarter, but in 16 minutes Brown finished the game with 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, one block, and a team high +30. During the game, Tommy Heinsohn pointed out how much Jaylen has matured as a basketball player. He said “in years past, Brown would have tried to dunk the ball. Lately, we’re seeing him make easy lay-ups instead.”

Jayson Tatum didn’t have a great offensive game yesterday afternoon. Tatum finished with just four points on 2-of-9 shooting, nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and turned the ball over once. Early in the first quarter, Tatum missed an open lay-up, created by Daniel Theis boxing-out his defender perfectly under the basket. With the start of the regular season approaching, the Celtics are going to need Tatum to be on-point offensively.

Semi Ojeleye seems to be rushing and forcing everything he does offensively. I know he’s used primarily in different defensive packages for added support, but I’d like to see him take less or better shots on the offensive end. Semi finished with seven points on 3-of-10 shooting, and five rebounds.

Carsen Edwards becomes extremely productive when he checks into games. Edwards connected on his first two shots of the game, to add a quick four points after subbing in. Edwards finished the game with 11 points and one assist off the bench. I noticed at one point in the second half that Edwards was the only guard on the floor, but Tatum was running point. I’m curious to see his development throughout the season and if he will eventually run the point for a bench unit.

Tacko Fall chants erupt inside the Boston Garden once again in the 4th quarter as the Celtics faithful await his entrance. Not only are the fans infatuated with Tacko, but his Celtics teammates are as well. It’s truly a great site to see when Tacko Fall gets his number called.

Fall’s first basket was of course a huge dunk to give the Celtics a 99-58 lead in the 4th. I think defenders are starting to realize that they can’t defend him and need to foul or just let him get his points. Fall finished with four points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Max Strus received a regular NBA deal from the Boston Celtics before the game. He became very productive yesterday, scoring a game high 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Most of Strus’ points came from beyond the arc, as he connected on 4-of-5 of his attempts from deep. The Celtics acknowledged that Strus can play and want him to be a contributor on this team.

Next. Brad Stevens needs to give Tacko Fall more minutes. dark

What I learned from yesterday’s game is that when the guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have a mediocre offensive performance, the other guys surrounding them can pick up the slack. There is a lot to like about this year’s Boston Celtics team, and I think they’re going to turn a lot of heads this year.

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