Celtics beat the Nets again 100-86, end preseason with 5-3 record

Photo Credit: Elise Amendola / AP PHOTO

Has anyone foreseen the Celtics closing the preseason with a blowout win against the Nets? Does this mean we're not tanking this season? Are we doomed, now that the lottery reform was voted down? I joke, I joke, the Nets didn't have any of their regular starters tonight, so the Celtics bulit a comfortable lead in the 2nd quarter and never looked back. That's what happened.

The highlight of the night was Jared Sullinger. In 25 minutes, he grabbed 17 boards and scored 15 points. Awesome, right? He also had 5 fouls and 5 turnovers against the Nets' scrubs, so there's clearly room for improvement there. In any case, he continues to be an awesome rebounder, and 7-10 shooting is nothing to ignore.

Sharing the spotlight with Sully was Marcus Smart. 16 points, perfect from the line, 4 assists and 2 steals. All his two pointers were layups, so there was a glimpse of the aggressive finisher Smart we all want to see.

Tyler Zeller and Gerald Wallace had nice outings too. Zeller almost had a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds (4 offensive), and Wallace contributed with 12 points, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 turnovers. Yes, Wallace had more steals and assists than turnovers. He's back! HE'S BACK!

Overall, not a remarkable game, really. Because the starters had less minutes, the Celtics ended the night with 19 turnovers, but the good news is 29 of their 38 made field goals came on assisted shots. The Celtics continue to be not-so-great from behind the 3 point line (25.9% tonight), but that is something that probably will be fixed during the season.

The Celtics will start regular season next week against the Nets. This time their starters will be around, and it will be a fun game. LET THE SEASON BEGIN!

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