Game never in doubt as Celtics' balanced scoring leads to 100-80 win over Charlotte Hornets


The Charlotte Hornets never had a chance in this one, as the Celtics had seven players in double figures leading to a 100-80 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Semi Ojeleye put up Boston's first points on a put-back and added a one-legged, mid-range fall-away shortly thereafter, seemingly adding another dimension to his offensive arsenal. Ojeleye finished the game with 13 points on 50% from the field, while adding seven rebounds and three assists.

Jabari Bird once again took scoring honors with 16 points on 64% shooting from the floor and 100% (2-of-2) from beyond the arc. He also came through with three rebounds and five assists. This Bird doesn't just fly - he has moves as smooth as silk whether he is driving to the hoop, moving without the ball or taking a pass and finishing.

Guerschon Yabusele notched 14 points on 60% from the field, while grabbing eight rebounds and blocking two shots. During the game, Brad Stevens was asked about the Brad Stevens type of player, and the response was that there was really no such player, and that the Celtics play to an individuals strengths - that they find out how to ride those guys. Brad finished by stating, "It's how you can fit yourself to them."


Yabu's strength is in his physical power, rebounding, passing and ability to move well, even when being overweight. His back-door pass to Bird in the second quarter for a slam was classic. Brad utilized Guersch much as he does Al Horford - putting him at the high post as a distributor and setter-of-impassable-screens with a derriere that is the talk of the entire League. We saw the elevation of Marcus Smart's game (literally) with his fat loss. Yabu needs to follow suit.


Miles Bridges put together a solid game for the Hornets, compiling 20 points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. But the Celtics balanced scoring and 53% field goal accuracy for the game was just too much.


The Celtics now are 2-and-1 in Las Vegas Summer League play, and this win was a good one. Semi has really gained confidence in his offensive game, and that was evident in this contest. I can envision his minutes increasing in the upcoming season.



And Jabari Bird continues his exceptional play after three games in Las Vegas. There is a spot for him via a standard contract with a yet-to-be-determined NBA team. I hope that will be Boston.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Photo via John Locher/Boston Herald
Video via MGL Highlights