BOSTON – The Boston Celtics pride themselves on having quality depth, the kind that can impact the game when given an opportunity.
That opportunity was there for the taking on Monday night, and the Celtics’ backups made the most of it with a 17-5 run to open the game that paved the way for a 59-39 halftime lead.
Prior to the game, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens decided to rest the team’s Big Three – Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford – along with Marcus Morris.
That meant the players who would see most of the action for the Celtics, were players who would be spending most of this season coming off the bench.
Boston opened the game with Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier in the backcourt, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Aron Baynes in the frontcourt.
Despite most of those players being on the second unit, it didn’t stop them from delivering a first-rate performance.
Here’s a look at the Stars, Studs and Duds from the first half of Boston’s matchup against Philadelphia.
Boston Celtics
STARS
Terry Rozier
He was a tough cover for just about every Sixers player who tried to defend him. And when he wasn’t scoring, he was leaping high above others for rebounds. At the half he had 15 points and seven rebounds.
Marcus Smart
Most of his career in Boston has been coming off the bench despite playing starter-like minutes. His defense is still elite, and his perimeter shooting – always a weakness – has been among his biggest strengths this preseason. He had 12 points and six rebounds with two assists and two steals at the half.
Markelle Fultz
He came off the bench for the Sixers, but didn’t waste any time doing what he has done at every level he’s played at – score the ball. He had eight points at the half
STUDS
Abdel Nader
One of the players seeing more time with the Celtics’ core guys resting, Nader made the most of his increased playing time and had 12 points at the half.
Ben Simmons
He did a better job of using his size and length to generate points for the Sixers. At the half he had 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
DUDS
Sixers starting backcourt
Philadelphia opened the game with Jerryd Bayless and Nik Stauskas. The two could not have shot the ball much worst as they combined to miss all nine of their shots from the field.