A host of takeaways after the Celtics soundly defeated the Cavs 118-95 despite leaving behind seven rotation players (Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Daniel Theis, Marcus Smart, Enes Kanter) back in Boston for the preseason finale.
Box Score
Carsen Edwards looked like Ray Allen in the third quarter: It was an ugly opening 24 minutes for the rookie against the Cavs after taking an elbow from big man Jarell Martin in the nose. He mustered just four points before the break on 1-of-4 shooting before putting together one of the great preseason offensive stretches in Celtics history. The 21-year-old erupted for 26 points in the first eight minutes of the third quarter, including eight made 3-pointers in the first half of the frame, which turned an 11-point lead at the break into a blowout.
Celtics rookie Carsen Edwards went off in the third quarter tonight to the tune of 8 3-pointers and 26 points ???
?: @NBApic.twitter.com/NAB7GG0t8l
— USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) October 16, 2019
Tremont Waters shows off the HESI! ?#NBARooks x #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/oI58qAhg8d
— NBA (@NBA) October 16, 2019
Carsen Edwards and Robert Williams taking some tough shots to the face early in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/Or7ncstFsw
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) October 15, 2019