Game Recap: Nuggets 82, Celtics 69

Game Recap: Nuggets 82, Celtics 69
Jul. 7, 2018 11:22 PM ET

By Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire

LAS VEGAS - The Denver Nuggets defeated the Boston Celtics, 82-69, in the Las Vegas Summer League at Cox Pavilion on Saturday.

The Celtics led, 29-28, at halftime, but the Nuggets took control in the second half, outscoring Boston, 52-38. Denver's defense led the way, both in the paint and on the perimeter. The Nuggets grabbed 31 defensive rebounds, allowing the Celtics (1-1) just two offensive boards. They also held Boston to 4-of-18 shooting from 3-point range.

Malik Beasley and DeVaughn Akoon Purcell each totaled 19 points and three steals to lead the Nuggets (2-0). Monte Morris finished with 14 points and six assists.

Jabari Bird was the lone Celtic to score in double figures, finishing with 24 points and three steals. Pierria Henry had nine points, four rebounds, three assists and four steals, and Hassan Martin led the bench with eight points and seven boards.

Both teams play Monday, with Denver squaring off against the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston facing the Charlotte Hornets.

Jabari Bird looks like the real deal. Needs to play D with the energy he shows on the offensive end. Yabu is a beast and seems to have a feel for the game, but he needs to shoot better. Kadeem Allen doesn`t look like he is ready to contribute and Semi still is very tentative on offense.

The Celtics defense was poor. They could not stay with their assignments and were taken off the dribble all night. Denver looked like they were working on their layup drills.

Too bad Williams did not play.

Bird has a lot if talent. Allen does not. No standout performances except for Bird. Yabu with a nice dunk driving to the rim. Overall poor rebounding. Complete defensive breakdown. Sloppy offense.

Bird will be a good defender. He's long and fast and determined. Not nearly Marcus Smart good on D, but then his offense is quite good.

worcester wrote:Bird will be a good defender. He's long and fast and determined. Not nearly Marcus Smart good on D, but then his offense is quite good.

Does he get a new contract or remain a two-way guy?

Remember he started to play very well near the end of the season but could not be on the playoff roster.

I think his talent level exceeds that of Nader. Nader has a non-guaranteed contract. Will Bird get a promotion?

I think Boston will address that once the Smart situation has been resolved.

Danny intentionally did not give Jabari a playoff spot because that would have made him an active player for the entire 2017-18 season. Now Danny can control his contract on the cheap for 4 more years, and with a QO on the 5th year.

I will be very surprised if Danny keeps Nader over Bird. Why? Because in D League Nader was a star. He does not know how to be a role player and feels he must score when he has the ball. Also, he has not played well in the NBA. Conversely, Jabari came up as a role player and plays that way, as a complement to his team members. In addition he has shown real talent in summer leagues and in NBA games, and Jabari is close with Jaylen. It might be fun to see three J's on the court together sometime.

worcester wrote:Danny intentionally did not give Jabari a playoff spot because that would have made him an active player for the entire 2017-18 season. Now Danny can control his contract on the cheap for 4 more years, and with a QO on the 5th year.

I will be very surprised if Danny keeps Nader over Bird. Why? Because in D League Nader was a star. He does not know how to be a role player and feels he must score when he has the ball. Also, he has not played well in the NBA. Conversely, Jabari came up as a role player and plays that way, as a complement to his team members. In addition he has shown real talent in summer leagues and in NBA games, and Jabari is close with Jaylen. It might be fun to see three J's on the court together sometime.

Danny always seems to have a lot of options up his sleeve. The Celtics will owe Nader $450 if they cut him. If not the entire remaining year of his contract becomes fully guaranteed.

I'd chip in that $450 to see him go.

Bird is intriguing. He can definitely play. I'd like to see him replace Nader on the roster.


KJ

worcester wrote:I'd chip in that $450 to see him go.

You are too funny