4 Key Insights from the Boston Celtics’ Victory Over the Lakers Despite Losing Their Star Center

The Celtics pulled off an impressive 87-78 comeback against the Lakers on Thursday night in Summer League action. After falling behind by seven points in the first half, Boston’s defense sparkled in the second quarter. They limited the Lakers to just nine points, turning the game around and leading at halftime.

In the second half, the Celtics maintained control, stretching their lead to double digits in the fourth quarter. This win improves their record to 3-1 in Las Vegas, with one more game scheduled for the consolation round this weekend.

Jordan Walsh stood out after bouncing back from an early ejection. He scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds. Hugo Gonzalez added 13 points, while Kenneth Lofton Jr. came off the bench with 12 points and seven rebounds. Bronny James led the Lakers with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Here are some key observations from the Celtics’ victory:

Missing Charles Bassey
The Celtics played without center Charles Bassey, who has been a highlight of their Summer League team. Bassey averaged 15.3 points and 11 rebounds over his first three games but left Las Vegas for personal commitments. Without him, the Celtics struggled defensively in the paint, relying on rookie Amari Williams and the shorter Lofton Jr.

Hugo Gonzalez Finds His Rhythm
After a challenging game against the Heat, Gonzalez turned things around. He showed flashes of brilliance by knocking down two three-pointers and executing smart backdoor cuts. He’s had his ups and downs, typical for a rookie, but mostly delivered the goods in Las Vegas.

Baylor Scheierman’s Shooting Woes
Scheierman hasn’t found his shooting touch this Summer League. He started the game hitting only two of his first 14 shots, with a dismal nine misses out of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. While he’s contributed in other areas like assists and rebounds, his shooting troubles are alarming, especially as the Celtics hope he can earn a spot in next season’s rotation.

Debating Miles Norris’ Future
Norris, a two-way player, still has a lot to prove. He scored 11 points off the bench against the Lakers, but has struggled with his three-point shooting throughout the tournament. If the Celtics discover a more enticing prospect, Norris might find himself on the sidelines.

This Summer League has drawn attention not just for player performances but also as a reflection of teams’ strategic decisions. Fans and analysts are watching closely, especially with the increasing talent pool in the league. According to recent statistics, Summer League participation has grown by over 30% in the last five years, showing just how essential this platform has become for young players trying to make their mark.

The Celtics’ active presence in the Summer League highlights their commitment to developing talent, a strategy that pays off in the long run. As they gear up for the upcoming season, every game counts in determining the future of players and the team.

For more insights on Summer League trends and player statistics, check out NBA Summer League.

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