5 standouts from Celtics' preseason win over the 76ers

After eight of the 14 players on standard contracts sat out Thursday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Saturday night’s matchup against the 76ers at TD Garden offered a much better look at the new-look Celtics. Philadelphia, meanwhile, rested most of its key players, including Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid.

Here are five standouts from Boston’s 144-106 blowout win as the Celtics improve to 2-0 in preseason play.

Jayson Tatum

The last time we saw Tatum at TD Garden, he was in street clothes as the Celtics lost a Game 7 at home.

Tatum missed that game due to left knee stiffness, noting at his end-of-season press conference that he was still in the return-to-play protocol and that there was a plan the team had to stick to. He also acknowledged that it was “inevitable” he would have to deal with something at some point as he pushed to return.

All that to say, Tatum was never fully healthy after returning from the torn Achilles he suffered in May 2025. He estimated that he was “80-85%” of himself, although there were certainly flashes of him looking like his old self. In 22 games, including the playoffs, he averaged 22.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals while recording 15 double-doubles.

Playing in his first game in 163 days on Saturday after a full offseason to recover, Tatum certainly looked 100%.

The five-time All-NBA wing scored 23 points on 9-of-19 (47.4%) shooting from the field and 4-of-10 (40%) from three, with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 26:54.

He looked confident and explosive on his drives, strong on the glass, and more than comfortable as a facilitator. His four assists were misleading, as that number should have been higher. Defensively, he was active, too.

Tatum looks ready to pick up where he left off before the injury, when he was selected to the All-NBA First Team in four consecutive seasons.

“I thought he got good carryover from what we’re asking him to do on both ends of the floor,” Joe Mazzulla said. “His defensive activity was good. I thought offensively he had great flow, the ball found him, but he was able to create opportunities for him and his teammates. So I thought the carryover from what our expectation is for him on both sides of the ball — is one step of doing it there. And continue to get better and better from it. I thought his cardio looked good, decision-making looked good, and his activity was good.”

Payton Pritchard

With Jaylen Brown (21.7 FGA, 35.1 USG%) now in Philadelphia, Pritchard is in line to take on a much bigger role offensively, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

If Saturday night was any indication, Pritchard is ready for it.

The 28-year-old finished with 25 points on 7-of-12 (58.3%) shooting from the field and 5-of-8 (62.5%) from three, along with seven assists and four rebounds. His point and assist totals were both game highs.

Pritchard is a three-level scorer who can beat you in different ways offensively, while also a strong facilitator with his ball-handling and vision. It won’t be this loud every night, but he is very much capable of stepping up in a bigger role.

Paul George

George, a four-time All-Defensive selection, was the most impactful defender on the floor on Saturday night.

The 36-year-old’s defensive playmaking was on display with his five steals, four of which led to baskets on the other end for a total of nine points. On top of his steals, George recorded multiple deflections that sparked opportunities for the Celtics.

“Great instincts,” Mazzulla said of George’s defense. “Great instincts. Great technique. Great positioning. It’s something that he takes pride in, and I do think it’s very contagious.”

Offensively, it wasn’t an efficient night for George, who finished 3-of-10 (30%) from the field and 2-of-7 (28.6%) from three, but he looked comfortable getting to his spots. He added five rebounds and four assists.

“I’m still trying to find my way offensively, figuring out the system,” George said. “It’s been a challenge, a great challenge. Joe has been extremely helpful in that. The guys have been extremely helpful in that process. But defensively is where I’ve always taken pride in making plays and trying to win every possession.”

Overall, it was an encouraging debut for George, who made a big impact despite a subpar shooting night. The Celtics saw firsthand in the playoffs that, despite entering his 17th professional season, George can still play. If this is what Boston is going to get from him, it’s a good sign.

Baylor Scheierman

Scheierman has been one of the biggest talking points in training camp because of his growth and development, and through two preseason games, it’s clear why: He appears ready for a breakout.

Scheierman finished with three points, two rebounds, eight assists, and five steals Saturday night, shooting 1-of-2 from three. In the fourth quarter, the 2024 first-round pick operated as the team’s primary point guard, recording four assists in the frame.

He also had an incredible hustle play, deflecting a pass and diving into the stands to tip the ball to Hugo Gonzalez, who finished a layup on the other end. Scheierman, who was one of only 17 players to draw at least 30 offensive fouls last season, also drew an illegal screen in the first quarter.

“It’s just reading the game,” Mazzulla said of Schiereman’s ability to draw offensive fouls. “When you set the tone physically, and you dictate the terms of it, I think it gives you a chance. Those guys [Schiereman and Gonzalez] are willing to be attached to the body. They’re willing to try and blow up screens. They’re willing to get screened. They play a physical style of basketball, and I think that favors that in situations like that.”

Mitchell Robinson

The timing on some of the lobs is still a work in progress, but Saturday night made it clear why the Celtics brought Robinson in this offseason.

He was active on the offensive glass, protected the rim, and created scoring opportunities with his screening.

Robinson is going to be a great fit for this team.

Honorable mention: Hugo Gonzalez

Saturday night might have been the best shooting performance of Gonzalez’s young career, as he racked up 17 points on 6-of-7 (85.7%) shooting from the field and 4-of-4 from three. He also had six rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Add the 20-year-old to the list of Boston’s young wings who appear to be taking another step.