Boston Celtics Defeat Charlotte 115-112

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Boston Celtics defeat Charlotte Hornets 115-112: Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum get hot plus 10 things we learned
By Tom Westerholm | twesterh@masslive.com | Posted September 30, 2018 at 08:29 PM | Updated September 30, 2018 at 08:30 PM

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 115-112 at the TD Garden on Sunday.

After a slow start on both ends, which allowed Charlotte to build an eight-point lead after one quarter, the Celtics stormed back -- beating Charlotte by 15 points in the second quarter.

The second half was dominated by second units, and none of Boston's starters played in the fourth quarter. Guerschon Yabusele's late-game offensive heroics, and Robert Williams' defense (what a pair of preseason statements!), helped Boston pull away.

Here are 10 takeaways.


1. Kyrie Irving had unstoppable stretches (which are to be expected).
There are going to be times this season (and, frankly, any season when he's healthy) when Kyrie Irving is just completely unstoppable.

On Sunday, Irving showed flashes (20 points in 29 minutes, 7-for-14 shooting). He didn't go full supernova, but he reminded everyone on a few occasions that he has the capability to be perhaps the best isolation scorer in the league. He beat Kemba Walker out of the post and off the dribble, and when the Celtics forced switches, he obliterated whichever poor Hornet was the recipient (one time it was Kaminsky).

Irving as a focal point, with threats all around him, is going to be a force.





2. Brad Stevens used Horford's absence to go small.
With Al Horford out, nursing a mildly sprained wrist, Stevens took the opportunity to play some interesting small-ball lineups in the first half. Perhaps the most intriguing: Irving, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris at the five.

That lineup might have trouble rebounding, but the players are tough as nails and incredibly versatile. They probably won't be a long-term solution, but in small stretches, they could absolutely blitz unprepared opponents.

3. After a cold start, B.W.A. brought Boston back.
Throughout training camp, Boston's bench unit has been telling anyone who will listen that they will be a swift punch to the gut for opponents when the starters sit down.

Sure enough, after the Celtics fell behind by eight in the first quarter, the B.W.A. unit led them back -- spear-heading the Celtics' 40-25 second quarter.

It has to be disheartening to slow down Hayward, Irving, Tatum, Brown and Horford, only to be faced with a second unit full of players who would start for opponents. Boston's various rotations will be able to wreck a lot of havoc.

4. Gordon Hayward's rust hasn't gone anywhere.
Gordon Hayward finished 1-for-7 with four points in 21 minutes.

It certainly isn't panic time (worry time is still a long ways down the road), but Hayward is obviously still trying to shake off rust. The pieces are still there, waiting for his legs and his confidence to catch up and claim them.

5. This Hayward play might make your heart skip.
You'd be excused for having an anxiety attack in real time as this play unfolded.



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@T_Rozzay3 with the steal and score! Mike and Tommy say it has to be his @PUMAHoops

bob


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6. Jaylen Brown's handle has looked significantly better.
Just a quick note that Brown's handle continues to look better. He beat Michael Kidd-Gilchrist off the dribble, and his improved 3-point shot has made him more of a threat attacking closeouts. After every summer, Brown returns a little more dangerous.


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7. Robert Williams got some minutes with the first unit.
Williams was clearly "jumpy," as Al Horford put it before the game. He tries to be everywhere at once defensively, and he is far from comfortable with the ball in his hands.

Still, his potential continued to poke its head through. In some early second-half minutes with mostly starters, Williams made opponents think about every shot around the rim, and his athleticism is so high, he makes even uncatchable lobs look like an event. Defensively, he is absolutely going to be able to switch onto smaller players, and his closeouts to the 3-point line are a terrifying sight.



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