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Recap: Celts smash Heat in Vegas

KWAPT (@KWAPT) July 14, 2015 Gametime, Recaps, Summer League 14 Comments

The Celtics finished (tourney starts tomorrow) the Vegas Summer League with a bang tonight, waxing the Miami Heat’s squad 101-69. Boston now receives a bye for the first round of the “tournament” that will crown the Vegas Summer League’s champion. The tourney starts tomorrow, and the Celts will next play on Thursday 7/16. The tournament schedule/bracket will be announced later on tonight.

Marcus Thornton led all scorers with 21 points, and went 9 of 9 from the charity stripe. Despite playing the usual stingy defense and making things happen via hustle, Marcus Smart looked tired tonight if you ask me. He struggled mightily on offense, going 1 of 11 from the floor including 0 of 8 from downtown. But I get it-the guy has been going 1,000 MPH since the C’s started Summer League play in Utah, and this evening it seemed like it may have caught up to him a bit. A day off is just what the doctor ordered for Smart.

Jordan Mickey continued to play well, making plays on both ends of the floor-most notably a sick one-handed outlet pass to RJ Hunter. You can see it in the highlights below at the 1:00 mark. Mickey finished with 7 points, 11 rebounds & 2 blocks in just over 25 minutes. RJ Hunter was solid, putting in 13 points in 20 minutes and going 2 of 3 from deep. Texas product and undrafted rookie Jonathan Holmes had 14 points and 5 boards for Boston.

Box score

Thatguy

I have a feeling if RJ gets playing time during the season, he’ll touch 30 points at least once.
- Erik Willis
  
  Let’s hope so!
Sean McLaughlin

Another fun game to watch. Gonna be a hard decision on who to sign and who to cut, been flashes of potential from 5 or 6 players so far. Jordan Mickey better get minutes though. I like him a lot!
- NE_Celt
  
  Im def on the Mickey wagon.
- Erik Willis
  
  Jordan Mickey may be a dark horse ROY candidate if he is given enough minutes! I think about a third or half way through the season he should get at least 20 min a night !
  - Sean McLaughlin
    
    While I’m not going that far yet, I DO like what I see. lol
    - wil
      
      He is like 9th in the nba’s rookie ladder, probably wont get minutes in the regular season though lol One thing is for sure, he makes Olynyk expendable.
      
      I dont think Mickey is nba ready yet. He needs to add a few pounds i think. But skill wise he can be an asset since we cant find a shot blocking Center.
      - Sean McLaughlin
        
        And making KO expendable is music to my ears. I, for one, am over his soft hesitance on the floor. He’s got a sweet shot, sure (when he takes it), but his lack of vision and overall “deer in the headlights” look he gets when he hits the hardwood is a detriment to what we’re trying to do and the overall culture Stevens is trying to create. I don’t blame Danny for drafting him. It’s easier to look dominant in the NCAA.
      - wil
        
        He really looked promising in his rookie year. His footwork was phenomenal. When shot with out hesitation it goes in.
        
        But last season he looked like he regressed. Its still early in his career. He can still carve a role out for himself. Just not with the Cs
art

Not comprehending the sympathy for Smart. He’s been totally sitting out several games. Why should he be tired?
- Fitzy
  
  I don’t think it was tiredness myself, I think he just got out of that rhythm he was in because he sat out some games.
Curt Hays

Next game, Jordan Mickey will toss the underhanded, Pistol Pete/Bill Russel bowling pass. Jordan Mickey: GOAT
Jake Gruber

He’s been going 1,000 MPH? The only one who has sat out more than him is Young and young was injured…
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