The Celtics starters got some extended run throughout the first half of their preseason opener against the Nuggets on Friday. But by the second half, it was the bench showing off some solid play in Boston’s 107-103 win over Denver in Abu Dhabi. Payton Pritchard led the way — much like last preseason — with 21 points and six assists in 24 minutes.
But it wasn’t just Pritchard who showed out as C’s coach Joe Mazzulla went deep in his bench Friday. That’s not surprising for the exhibition game as the Celtics got to see what the youngsters could provide. And those bench players led the way Friday as the Celtics’ title defense is officially off.
“It felt good to just get out there, play the first game in front of a crowd,” Pritchard told reporters after the game. “Get my legs under me. That was really it.
Just getting up and down. Just competing and all that. It was a good first step.
” The Celtics slid Luke Kornet into the starting lineup alongside their expected starters of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. Mazzulla said postgame to reporters that they’re managing Al Horford throughout the preseason. Horford is the projected starter with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined from surgery, though there will be games Horford doesn’t play through the regular season.
Remember, when it comes to the bench, these guys are fighting for potential minutes. The Celtics rotation will be tough to crack consistently considering they bring back the sam.
