Friday, July 10, 2015

Summer League Game 3: Smart, Rozier & Hunter lead comeback against Spurs, Celtics win 85-71

Associated Press
The Celtics back court shot their way out of an 11-point first half deficit in the second half to beat the Spurs, 85-71.

After going scoreless in the first 12 minutes, Marcus Smart got it going early by scoring 15 points in the second quarter. Smart finished with 22 points and shot 4-for-6 from three. Rookie Terry Rozier came off the bench and chipped in 9 of his 14 points in the second half, and dished out 7 assists.

R.J. Hunter, who hadn't scored a single point this week, was the hottest shooter on the floor. Hunter scored 18 points, went 4-for-4 from the three point arc and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Hunter's 14 second half points helped lock-in the Celtics' lead. He showed confidence against San Antonio, shooting threes off the dribble while showing off his smooth shooting form.

While Smart, Rozier and Hunter were sinking in shots on the offensive end, second round pick Jordan Mickey was very active on the defensive side of the court. Mickey pulled down 9 rebounds and added 9 points on the other end.

It looks like the Celtics draft picks are settling in after playing two games in the Utah Summer League. Rozier showed that he can facilitate the floor and more of his explosiveness, getting past his defenders and scoring against the Spurs. And Hunter's shooting efficiency from outside is coming into form. He's not only looking comfortable shooting the ball but he's making smarter decisions and isn't forcing the issue like he did in his first two games.

The Celtics have finished their Utah Summer League schedule and will head to Las Vegas this weekend. The C's will take on the Portland Trail Blazers this Saturday in the first game of their Las Vegas Summer League schedule.



Josue Pavon
Twitter: @Joe_Sway10

@CausewayStreet

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