It wasn’t even certain the game would be played 48 hours in advance of Friday night’s 124-97 home win against the Orlando Magic, but even with an extended layoff due to COVID-19 and precautionary measures for it, the Boston Celtics looked surprisingly good.
That they looked so crisp and defended so well — good enough to move in the top half of the league in defensive efficiency at 14th overall — bodes well given Jayson Tatum, their top scorer, is out recuperating from a positive, asymptomatic COVID-19 diagnosis. The team clearly had no trouble scoring against the Magic (down several of their own key players), and held Orlando to just 97 points while the did it.
WATCH: Tacko Fall sticks a deep jumper, then dribble-drives a flush home https://t.co/jHYoMAdMVC via @thecelticswire
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 16, 2021
Coach Brad Stevens played no players more than 28 minutes, and gave extended run to bench players who have not seen much floor time to positive effect, including some late electric play from two way big man Tacko Fall.
Forward Jaylen Brown led all Celtics with 21 points and a career-high 8 assists, and forward Semi Ojeleye scored 18 points and 6 rebounds, just four points shy of his career high.
Veteran guard Jeff Teague added 17 points as a starter, and rookie point guard Payton Pritchard put up 16 points and 4 rebounds off the bench.
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