Celtics-Nuggets Takeaway: ‘Preseason P’ returns with C win originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics picked up where they left off, defeating the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener in Abu Dhabi.

Denver started hot and took a seven-point lead into halftime, but Boston found its rhythm defensively in the final two frames. After allowing 32 and 31 points in the first two quarters, the C’s only allowed 40 total points in the second half.

Not surprisingly, Joe Mazzulla’s group didn’t hesitate to shoot from deep. The Celtics attempted a whopping 61 3-point shots and made 20 of them (32.8 percent). Sixteen of those threes were made by the second unit, which helped Boston to a 107-103 win.

The C’s and Nuggets will remain in Abu Dhabi for a return game on Sunday. Opening tip is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET, with coverage beginning at 9:30 a.m. on NBC Sports Boston.

Here are three quick takeaways from Friday’s preseason opener.

The return of “Preseason P”

Drew Carter, NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics play-by-play voice, called Payton Pritchard “Preseason P” during the C’s guard’s stellar preseason run in 2023. The nickname is back for 2024.

“Preseason P” dropped a game-high 21 points, including 14 in the second quarter. He was 6 of 12 from distance with six assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes.

Pritchard had two iconic moments in the 2024 NBA Finals when he practiced the buzzer beater at halfcourt at the conclusion of the first halves of Games 2 and 5. Even though it wasn’t from the half of the pitch this time, Pritchard continued to show in the final that he acts almost automatically in seconds of the second quarter.

After the game, Pritchard spoke about what he had worked on to improve over the summer.

“Dribbling with the 3-ball is becoming more consistent,” he said. “I thought my finishing and my mid-range game took a big jump last year, so I thought that was really good. Of course I’m always working on it, but from then on I can also be more efficient by defending off the dribble like catching and shooting that completes my game.

“And then defensively, just finding ways to take offense better, get your hands on more balls, steal and stuff like that.”

The Celtics will be counting on Pritchard to lead the bench unit once again in their quest for a repeat performance.

Shake off the rust

Boston’s starting five looked good defensively, but they were a little rusty shooting-wise when they returned to action.

The group shot a combined 15 for 41 (36.6 percent), including just 5 for 20 (25 percent) from 3-point range. Jayson Tatum (12 points) and Jaylen Brown (8 points) shot 4 of 11 and 3 of 9 from the field, respectively.

However, Brown had some big moments in the first half. He had a heavy block followed by this emphatic jam on the other end:

Brown scored seven of his eight points in the first quarter.

Luke Kornet (6 points) helped boost the starting five’s field goal percentage with three goals on five attempts. Derrick White added nine points while Jrue Holiday contributed four.

“Stay Ready Crew” shines

The Celtics’ supporting cast stole the show in Friday’s win. It all started with Pritchard, but others from the second unit and the Stay Ready Crew stepped up to secure the win.

JD Davison was involved on both ends, scoring seven points (1-3 FG) with two rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block in 12 minutes.

Drew Peterson had 10 points in 12 minutes (4-9 FG, 2-5 3-PT). Big men Xavier Tillman Sr. (6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block) and Neemias Queta (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block) helped ease concerns about Kristaps Porzingis’ absence. Jordan Walsh impressed with nine points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 25 minutes.

There were questions about Boston’s scoring prowess last season, but it’s safe to say they put that history to rest during their championship run. Heading into the 2024-25 season, the reserves look even better with their sights set on Banner 19.