By Flashnews 
The Celtics wrapped up their two-game preseason series in Abu Dhabi with a dominant 130-104 win over the Denver Nuggets, moving to 2-0 in the preseason.
Here are the key takeaways.
- While the NBA requires teams to complete their full preseason schedule, the Celtics have shown they don’t need much time to warm up.
This isn’t surprising, considering Boston has retained most of their roster and boasts star players performing at their peak. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are in an ideal stage of their careers, blending skill with youth. The addition of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday only strengthens the team’s lineup, making them incredibly solid. Even Kristaps Porzingis’ replacements have shown they’re ready to contribute.
The Boston Celtics look poised and ready for the upcoming NBA season after a commanding preseason victory over the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets. In a game that saw Boston’s talent on full display, the Celtics cruised to a blowout win, sending a clear message that they’re prepared to contend for the title this season. Here are 10 key takeaways from the Celtics’ impressive performance:
1. Jayson Tatum Looks Sharp and Focused
Jayson Tatum wasted no time showing why he’s considered one of the top players in the league. From the opening tip, Tatum was aggressive on both ends of the floor, scoring efficiently and creating opportunities for his teammates. His shooting stroke looked smooth, and he appeared locked in defensively. If Tatum carries this level of play into the regular season, he could be in the MVP conversation once again.
2. Jaylen Brown’s Versatility on Display
Jaylen Brown showcased his full range of skills, not only scoring but also making plays as a facilitator. Brown looked comfortable handling the ball, and his decision-making has noticeably improved. His ability to get to the rim, shoot from the perimeter, and create for others adds another layer of versatility to Boston’s offense, making them difficult to defend.
3. Kristaps Porzingis’ Seamless Fit
One of the big questions heading into the season was how Kristaps Porzingis would integrate into the Celtics’ system. The preseason game against the Nuggets provided a glimpse into how well he fits. Porzingis was a force both as a shot-blocker and a stretch big. His presence as a floor spacer opens up driving lanes for Tatum and Brown, while his rim protection adds another dimension to the defense. If he can stay healthy, Porzingis could be the X-factor for Boston this season.
4. Improved Ball Movement
The Celtics’ offense looked fluid, with crisp ball movement and multiple players getting involved. The team is clearly emphasizing sharing the ball and making the extra pass, which led to open shots and high-percentage looks. With several playmakers on the roster, Boston appears to be moving away from the isolation-heavy play that sometimes stalled their offense in previous seasons.
5. Derrick White’s Defensive Intensity
Derrick White was everywhere defensively, disrupting passing lanes and contesting shots. His ability to guard multiple positions is invaluable, and he continues to show why he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. White’s energy on defense sets the tone for the Celtics, and his versatility allows the team to switch seamlessly on pick-and-rolls.
6. Bench Depth Shows Promise
Boston’s bench unit looked impressive, with several players making significant contributions. Payton Pritchard, in particular, provided a spark with his shooting and energy off the bench. Newcomer Oshae Brissett also showed flashes, contributing on both ends of the floor. If the Celtics’ bench can provide consistent production, it will give the team much-needed depth for the long season ahead.
7. Al Horford’s Veteran Leadership
Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Al Horford continues to be a steadying presence for the Celtics. His basketball IQ and leadership were on full display, as he made smart plays on both ends. Horford’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and anchor the defense with his communication makes him a crucial part of Boston’s rotation.
8. Three-Point Shooting on Fire
The Celtics were lights-out from beyond the arc, connecting on a high percentage of their three-point attempts. This is a good sign for Boston, as their ability to knock down shots from deep will be essential in spacing the floor and keeping defenses honest. With shooters like Tatum, Brown, and Porzingis, the Celtics have multiple weapons from long range.
9. Defense is Championship-Caliber
Boston’s defense looked stifling against the Nuggets, as they consistently forced tough shots and controlled the glass. With the combination of athletic wings like Tatum and Brown, rim protectors like Porzingis and Horford, and perimeter defenders like White, the Celtics have the pieces to be one of the best defensive teams in the league. Defense wins championships, and Boston’s commitment to that end of the floor will be key to their success.
10. Mental Toughness and Focus
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from the game was the Celtics’ mental toughness and focus. Despite it being a preseason game, Boston played with a sense of urgency and discipline. They didn’t let up after building a lead and kept their foot on the gas until the final whistle. This kind of focus will be crucial as they navigate the regular season and look to make a deep playoff run.
Conclusion
The Celtics’ blowout win over the Denver Nuggets in preseason action is a promising sign for what’s to come in the regular season. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, Kristaps Porzingis fitting in seamlessly, and a defense that looks poised to stifle opponents, Boston looks ready to compete for a championship. While it’s only the preseason, the early signs are that this Celtics team has the talent, depth, and focus to make a serious run at the title this year.