NBA Summer League: Celtics 82 Knicks 75

http://www.nba.com/games/20180712/NYKBOS#/sl-recap

Game Recap: Celtics 82, Knicks 75
Jul. 12, 2018 3:50 PM ET

By Joel Bartilotta, Rotowire

LAS VEGAS -- The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 82-75 in the first round of the Las Vegas Summer League playoffs at Thomas and Mack Center on Thursday.

While this matchup wasn’t decided until the final minutes, Boston won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. The first quarter played a huge part of that, with the Celtics outscoring the Knicks, 27-16. New York trailed by double-digits for the majority of the contest from there, though a late run got the game down to a four-point margin late in the fourth quarter. However, Boston was able to seal the win with some free-throws. While Boston didn’t dominate any specific statistic, they held the advantage in nearly every category. In fact, the Celtics outpaced the Knicks in field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, steals and turnovers, with the 12-7 turnover differential being the most lopsided stat.

The Knicks (1-3) got a beastly performance out of Mitchell Robinson, who collected 17 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and six blocks on 8-of-10 shooting. Kevin Knox went just 5-of-20 from the field to accrue 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Allonzo Trier totaled 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Troy Williams led the bench with eight points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Celtics (3-1) were led by Semi Ojeleye, as he amassed 21 points and five boards. Jabari Bird finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Guerschon Yabusele generated 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Pierria Henry accumulated eight points, five rebounds and six assists.

On deck for Boston is a matchup with the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks, on the other hand, await their consolation matchup.

Semi, Jabari, and Henry impressed me this game. Yabu is still sloppy. Yes, he is gifted physically, but so far he is not showing NBA starter skills.

bob


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Robinson was there at 27, it will be interesting to see how he and Williams' NBA careers work out over time.

I sure hope Danny got the right big man this time.

Fun but low scoring game as Boston outlasted NY 82-75. Final score was a lot closer than the game.

Semi lead all scorers with a solid 21 points and he hd 6 rebounds. Yabusele played well with 12 points and 5 rebounds and once again the Bird kid showed a little of everything with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

I think Bird makes the big club this year and will not be a two way player

The Knicks drafted the kid Mitchell Robinson a 7 footer who pretty much skipped college. He has a similar game as our very own Robert Williams. I finally had a chance to see knox. The commentators were trying to compare him to Jason Tatum.

NO...he has some skills but looks a bit stiff to me'

Kyrie was sitting with Jaylen Brown and I was thinking, that is an impressive back court duo.

_________________

I think that Semi and Yabu will forever be compared to each other, even though their draft pick positions were so different.  Both have so much potential to become important rotation players.  I hope one or the other can become trusted enough to get more than just spot minutes in the NBA.

Semi is in the lead so far, due to his defense (IMO). He was a scorer in college, hopefully he can get enough confidence on offense to give his game some two way balance.

Yabu hasn't performed in any way so far that gives me hope.  He has shined on the lesser stage, but he just hasn't proven himself ready for the NBA.

I do not expect either of them to end up as starters. If one or both can be solid enough players that can be relied upon off the bench, I would consider that to be win for us, considering their draft positions.

gyso

bob


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If you ever wonder where Bob finds all these great videos, this one was in the dictionary under awesomeness

The group Levert was a trio and included brothers Gerald and Sean Levert, both sons of the lead singer for the O'Jays, Eddie Levert.

One of my favorite Ojay songs, 'I love music'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGmsFg-oQ6k

I really liked the clip posted by Bob.

Jaylen is a star in the making. He understands exactly what he needs to do to get better. He said he wanted to play in the Summer League but the Celtics said no.

He was a top candidate for most improved player last season. I expect another jump in his production. He will be working on his ball handling and passing as well as his shooting especially from the line. He is an impressive and very articulate young man.