The Celtics played three preseason games this past week, two against the Philadelphia 76ers and one against the Charlotte Hornets.
On Friday, Oct. 6, the Celtics won 110-102 in a game against the 76ers on the road. The team’s new “Big 3” lead the way, as Kyrie Irving paced the team in scoring with 21 points, Gordon Hayward lead the team in assists with five, and Al Horford lead the way with nine rebounds.
The teams then traveled up to Boston, and the Celtics beat the 76ers 113-92 on Oct. 9. It was a game that saw Irving, Hayward, Horford, and Marcus Morris stay on the bench, a balanced offensive approach was lead by Semi Ojeleye with 16 points and Abdel Nader and Terry Rozier with 15 points each.
On Oct. 11, the C’s took on the Hornets in Charlotte and pulled out a 108-100 victory. Irving again lead the team with 16 points and 10 assists, while Horford poured in 15 points accompanied by eight rebounds, and Hayward contributed 13 points with four assists and six rebounds.
Smart waiting to speak about new contract
The Celtics have until next monday to sign Marcus Smart, the longest tenured player on the roster, to a rookie extension. Smart has made it clear he would like to return, but he has not heard from the front office about the situation.
“Me and my agent haven’t heard anything from the Celtics,” he said to reporters after the preseason home game against the 76ers. “And, like you said, a week with the deadline and everybody else out here, and you’re seeing everybody else’s numbers and things like that, so we’re just kind of waiting.”
Smart expressed his want to stay with the team to reporters earlier this week.
“Me and my agent haven’t heard anything from the Celtics,” he said after the 113-96 exhibition win over Philadelphia. “And, like you said, a week with the deadline and everybody else out here, and you’re seeing everybody else’s numbers and things like that, so we’re just kind of waiting,” Smart said.
Morris’ debut
After being acquitted in an assault trial in Phoenix, Morris made his much-anticipated debut for the Celtics Oct. 11 against the Hornets. He scored seven points over 11 minutes. Morris was acquitted before both games against the 76ers, but was held out until the team went to Charlotte. He came to Boston in the trade that sent Avery Bradley to the Pistons, and the team hopes he can make big contributions in the frontcourt.
Next 7 days at a glance
Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. against at Cleveland Cavaliers (season opener)
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. against vs. Milwaukee Bucks
