LAS VEGAS – Playing on the same summer league team has a way of bringing folks together in ways they never expected.
Case in point: Boston Celtics rookies Terry Rozier and R.J. Hunter.
In a relatively short period of time, the two are developing some legit on court chemistry that’s apparent to anyone who watches them play.
And that connection was huge in Boston’s 85-76 win over Philadelphia on Sunday.
“They look for each other,” said Boston’s Jordan Mickey. “Terry knows where R.J.’s going to be at. He’s a shooter so you have to know where he’s at, try and set him up at times.”
But on Sunday, there were times when it was Hunter attacking the rim.
In fact, one of the game’s biggest plays came late in the fourth quarter when Hunter’s dribble penetration led to a Rozier 3-pointer that gave Boston a 77-70 lead.
Boston Celtics
Being forced to put the ball on the floor and attack the paint is nothing new to Hunter, who had 21 points.
“That’s been since I was 7 years old,” he said. “So I get used to that.”
And folks might want to start getting used to the Celtics young backcourt tandem of the future.
“Our competitiveness, that’s what got us here,” said Rozier who led all scorers with 22 points. “Our chemistry … some people have no answer for it. It feels good, just to be out there with one another and us being competitive, we get to play with each other. It’s a lot of fun.”
Both were impressive, but there were other standouts as well.
Here are the Stars, Studs and Duds from Boston’s victory over Philadelphia on Sunday.
STARS
R.J. Hunter
The more you watch him play, the clearer it becomes that he can do more than just shoot the ball. Hunter repeatedly looked to attack the rim, which certainly caught the Sixers by surprise. However, he still needs to be stronger with his handle. Still, his understanding of how to generate points be it by scoring, passing or getting to the free-throw line is impressive.
Terry Rozier
Boston’s coaches and front office have praised him as an aggressive player who can get to the rim. Rozier was all that and then some on Sunday, leading all scorers with 22 points – 12 of which came from the free-throw line.
STUDS
Jonathan Holmes
Holmes has been among the most improved players on the Celtics summer league team, showing a more well-rounded game at both ends of the floor. He tallied his first double-double of the summer with 15 points and 10 rebounds, which included a 3-for-4 shooting night from 3-point range.
Jordan Mickey
The only player to start every summer league for the Celtics, Mickey has become Mr. Reliable for the Celtics around the rim. In addition to strong rim protection that goes beyond his game-high four blocked shots, he also had his second straight double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
DUDS
Pierre Jackson
He has been praised often for his perimeter shooting and there were ample opportunities for him on Sunday. Jackson made some big shots late in the game for the 76ers, but for the most part he was an absolute non-factor as he tallied more turnovers (four) than field goals made (three), before finishing with nine points on 3-for-12 shooting.