Boston Celtics: 3 thoughts on preseason opener against Orlando Magic

3 thoughts on the Boston Celtics victory over Orlando Magic

No. 3: Rust evident throughout

It would be wrong for us as fans to expect players to be able to take time off and pick right up where they ended last season. It typically takes players awhile to get back into the swing of things, which is part of the reason why preseason games exist in the first place.

For the Celtics, that rust was quite evident early and often in this one. While they hung around with Orlando for most of the game, it certainly wasn’t their best showing, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

The team shot just 35 percent from the field and the three point line, which won’t cut it when the games start to count. The Magic on the other hand shot the ball at a 40 percent clip in both categories. The Celtics really won this game because of their ability to get to the line, as they hit 12 more free throws than Orlando.

There were certainly some players who struggled more than others. Rob Williams missed all seven of his shots. Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder, two of Boston’s key bench pieces, combined to shoot just 2-17. Jayson Tatum did well to get to the line, but struggled with his shot, shooting just 6-16, and registered a plus-minus of -14.

It’s not ideal that these guys struggled a bit out of the gate, but there’s no sense panicking over it. These things will get ironed out between now and October 20th when the season starts up. But as the preseason progresses, it will be important for these guys to shake off the rust and get themselves into shape before the regular season begins.