Final: Celtics 95, Sixers 89

LAS VEGAS -- Semi Ojeleye and Guerschon Yabusele each scored a game-high 16 points as the Celtics came from behind to the defeat the Sixers 95-89 in the summer league opener. Jabari Bird added 14 points while first round pick Robert Williams scored four points in seven minutes before being sidelined for the rest of the game with a knee contusion.

In-game analysis....

 

Fourth Quarter Notes

• Furkan Korkmaz continues to put up a show from the outside, despite being primarily guarded by Semi Ojeleye. He's got 38 points in just 25 minutes on 8-of-12 shooting from 3-point range. A lot of those looks have been heavily contested.


• A pretty quiet second half continued for Ojeleye, Yabusele and Bird on the offensive end.


• Hassan Martin got his first call of the game with five minutes left in the game and the URI product managed to finish a pair of buckets around the rim immediately upon entering the game. He's got eight points in just three minutes of action.

• A quieter frame for Ojeleye, who only attempted two shots, but made a buzzer beater 3 as the shot clock wound down.


• Pierria Henry had a couple nice moves beating Demetrius Jackson off the dribble for buckets and finding open shooters (6 assists). He's probably due to have a strong career overseas.


• Jabari Bird is only 6-foot-6 but leads both teams with eight rebounds through three quarters. He's having the kind of efficient role game he needs to improve his stock.


• Yabusele had a nice transition jam and drilled a jumper but his effort is a bit underwhelming thus far for his second time in summer league. Between the fouls and the inability to clear bigs at the rim, C's need him to do more to standout.


• Surprised Kadeem Allen isn't getting more of a run in this game on the whole given his standing with the team. Only 11 minutes through three quarters.

• Robert Williams does not get the start in his debut. I wonder how much that has to do with his problems over the past week.


• Semi Ojeleye is living up to his aggressive mindset in the first quarter here, with six shot attempts in his first seven minutes.


• Jabari Bird shook off a slow start to knock down a 3 and grab a team-high four rebounds in first quarter. he's one of few players playing under control for both sides.


• Kadeem Allen with a nice drive to beat the buzzer at the end of the first quarter.


• Robert Williams was very active on offense in his first few possessions, hitting a jump shot and almost nearly nailing a floater as well. He was very hobbled in the closing minutes of the first quarter however, and limped as he came off the floor. After huddling with trainers, he headed to the locker room. Celtics PR reports he banged knees.


• Guerschon Yabusele piled up three fouls in three minutes, putting himself into foul trouble despite the fact you get in 10 fouls in summer league games. He piled up five total in the first half


• Ojeleye really attacking nicely a couple of times in transition, drawing and-1 fouls. He's got a team-high 13 points in the first half on 5-of-11 shooting, with half of those attempts from downtown.

• This is the first game of a pool play during Las Vegas summer league. All 30 teams will play three games over the next five days before a single elimination tournament is played to declare a champion.


• A couple new rule twists for summer league that will be used tonight: 1) The shot clock will only reset to 14 on an offensive rebound. Additionally, coaches will be able to challenge a call in the final two minutes of a game (similar to NFL rules).


• This should be a good test from a competition standpoint for the C's, as Sixers roster is heavy on NBA-caliber talent with Smith, Korkmaz and old friend Jackson. Bolden is expected to sign with the team this summer as well after playing overseas last year.