Recap: “The Bench” propels Celtics past 76ers in opener

If you had any doubts about the Celtics depth, tonight’s 112-95 victory over the 76ers should have changed your mind. Led by Isaiah Thomas’s 27 points and 7 assists, the Celtics bench outscored the starters, 67-45. The C’s overcame a sluggish start and a torrid 1st quarter by Sixers’ rookie Jahlil Okafor (26 points, 7 rebounds). The game changed with a 21-2 run in the 2nd quarter. The second half was all offense and little defense as the Celtics never let Philly get too close.

Green

Thomas didn’t have his normal range tonight (1-6 3 FG), but scored from all over the floor (10-19 FG). You can’t get much better than 27 points in 29 minutes.

Brad Stevens called on Jared Sullinger 5 minutes into the 1st quarter because Okafor was bludgeoning Tyler Zeller and David Lee. Sullinger threw his weight around and (with the help of some double teams)  slowed down Okafor. finished with 12 points (6-8 FG), and 7 rebounds.

I love David Lee’s passing (5 assists). His highlight play was a pretty bounce pass on a backdoor cut by IT4, but he’s very good at feeding guys when bringing the ball up.

Gross

The Celtics interior defense, specifically Tyler Zeller. Okafor started the game 5-5. Philly had 18 points in the paint in the 1st quarter. Sullinger’s girth helped, but Stevens kept Okafor guessing by throwing double teams at him.

Amir Johnson (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks) played well but I can’t forgive him for missing consecutive bunnies in the 2nd quarter.

Avery Bradley had a quiet 4 points on 2-6 FG.

Greenlights

IT to ET to AB for the dunk

Smart beats the halftime buzzer

The Grid

• Evan Turner was a game high +23
• The 76ers had one assist in the first half

Box score