Celtics Reserves Open Preseason With 124-113 Win Over Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics opened their NBA preseason schedule on Thursday, Oct. 8, with a 124-113 road win over a near-full-strength Cleveland Cavaliers team despite resting most of their primary rotation, according to NBC Sports Boston and Celtics Wire.
Center Luka Garza led Boston with a team-high 24 points and 10 rebounds (NBC's live blog credited 22 points), serving as both a playmaking hub and a force on the glass. Guard Devin Carter, on an Exhibit 10 contract and fighting for a two-way spot, added 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Boston dominated the rebounding battle 56-39, including 21 offensive boards, even against a Cleveland front line featuring Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Cleveland's starters, including Donovan Mitchell, played extended minutes but could not protect home court. Boston sat seven regulars, among them Jayson Tatum and Paul George. The NBA regular season was set to open later in October, with the Los Angeles Lakers' opener against Golden State among the marquee games.
Preseason results do not count in the standings, but Boston's coaching staff took note of the rebounding dominance, particularly the bench big men's positioning against Cleveland's twin towers. Carter said afterward that he knows defense and energy are his route to a contract, and that this game was the introduction he wanted. The teams meet again in the regular season, when full-strength lineups will provide the real test.
Photo: 波士顿 TD Garden 球馆实景，CC BY 3.0（Wikimedia Commons，摄影：Ktr101）
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 波士顿 TD Garden 球馆实景，CC BY 3.0（Wikimedia Commons，摄影：Ktr101）
