By Tiffany Williams –
The Boston Celtics opened their preseason with a statement. Wednesday night in Memphis, the C’s rolled over the Grizzlies 121-103, showing off a revamped style that blends pace, depth, and relentless energy.
From the jump, Boston set the tone. The first quarter was a masterclass in efficiency and aggression, as the Celtics scored 35 points to Memphis’ 23. A 10-point scoring run ballooned the lead to 20, and by seven minutes left in the half, Boston had pushed it to 52-28. The first-half scoring frenzy didn’t stop there—they ended the half with 68 points, showcasing a fast-paced offense that could make the Celtics dangerous in the regular season.
Jaylen Brown led the charge, putting up 21 points—all in the first half—setting the offensive tone and keeping the Grizzlies reeling. Derrick White’s double-double of 16 points and 10 assists showed he is ready to dictate the flow, distributing the ball and finding teammates in stride. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez made an immediate impression, demonstrating a relentless motor and defensive versatility. He finished with 8 points on 3-for-4 shooting, added three rebounds, a steal, and three blocks in just 18 minutes—a glimpse at the defensive energy the Celtics hope to cultivate this season.
Boston’s depth shone through beyond the stars. Josh Minott contributed eight points and seven rebounds (three offensive), while also adding three assists, three steals, and a block. Chris Boucher chipped in 11 points, four boards, a block, and a steal. Luka Garza quietly made a major impact, recording a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. His contributions went far beyond the box score. Garza set screens with precision, disrupting Memphis’ defense and creating open shots for guards and wings alike. His timing and angles on ball screens allowed players like Derrick White and Jaylen Brown to attack or pull up for clean jumpers.
Garza wasn’t just a screener for the ball-handler. His off-ball movements freed teammates for cuts and open catches, adding fluidity and unpredictability to Boston’s offense. His “Get” actions—passing and immediately receiving the ball—kept defenders guessing, and Memphis struggled to communicate and adjust. Analysts are already drawing comparisons to former Celtic Luke Kornet, known for his efficiency as a screener, signaling that Garza may slot perfectly into Boston’s movement-heavy system.
This game offered a first look at what the Celtics may bring this season: a balance of veteran leadership, youthful energy, and strategic ball movement designed to open lanes and create scoring opportunities. With Brown and White leading, the supporting cast stepping up, and Garza’s nuanced off-ball work, the Celtics demonstrated a preseason blueprint that could translate into a deep playoff push.
If this opener is any indication, Boston isn’t just trying to stay competitive—they’re experimenting with pace, spacing, and rotation versatility to keep opponents off balance. Memphis may have been on the receiving end this night, but the real test will be how Boston sustains this energy against top-tier teams in the regular season.
The message is clear: the Celtics’ new-look offense is fast, flexible, and full of emerging weapons. Luka Garza’s screens, Hugo Gonzalez’s defense, and the veterans’ scoring acumen show a team comfortable in chaos—ready to exploit it—and capable of dominating games both on and off the ball.