It took Chris Cenac Jr. just one summer league game to show Celtics fans promise

The first game of the Boston Celtics’ summer slate didn’t disappoint. They battled back from a double-digit hole take the Toronto Raptors to overtime. They pushed past Toronto and captured an 83-80 victory to kick off their time in Vegas.

Here's what stood out:

Chris Cenac Jr. is a rebounding machine

Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. wasted no time showing fans exactly what he’s capable of. The 19-year-old immediately made an impact in his first minutes off of Boston’s bench. In the first half alone, he threw down two loud dunks through traffic, grabbed eight rebounds (four offensive), and swatted away a block.

The billing on Cenac Jr. heading into the draft was that he was a raw prospect with tremendous upside. At Houston he was comfortable guarding the opposing team’s primary ball handler. His defensive versatility and motor stood out immensely in his summer league debut. Like, Cenac Jr. consistently fought for rebounds even when he was outnumbered by two or three Raptors players.

His biggest moment of the night came late in the fourth quarter when he sank a game-tying three from the corner.

Cenac Jr. debuted with a double-double, tallying 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.

Dillon Mitchell is an absolute agent of chaos

Boston’s other selection at last month’s NBA Draft, Dillon Mitchell, quickly made his presence felt, too. 

His jaw-dropping athleticism jumped off the screen if you were watching at home. His first action in this game was an insane chasedown block in transition.

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Right before the halftime buzzer, Mitchell skied for an otherworldly putback jam, putting the entire Cox Pavillion in awe.

When Mitchell is on the floor, it seems like he’s always a threat to make something crazy happen. The first few minutes of the third quarter were a perfect example. Mitchell snagged a pair of steals in the backcourt as Toronto tried to get a possession started.

Mitchell finished with four points, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 25 minutes.

How did the returning guys do?

Alright.

Hugo Gonzalez had a rough shooting game, but was still very much himself. He played hard, crashed the glass, and forced the issue even without shots falling for him. Hugo got to the line five times, and converted on four.

The young Spaniard flirted with a triple-double, logging 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

Amari Williams impressed with a strong and efficient scoring game. He posted 21 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.

John Tonje got hot during a key stretch for the Cs. He drilled four threes in the third quarter to help Boston climb out of a double-digit deficit. Tonje sank a fifth triple with under a minute to play, to bring the Cs back within one of Toronto.

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