Celtics Summer League Update: First Loss to Hawks, Player Performances, and Next Game Preview
The Celtics faced their first loss at the NBA Summer League against the Atlanta Hawks in a 102-90 defeat. Two returning players, Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams, were rested for the game. Gonzalez has been struggling offensively, shooting poorly from the field and 3-point range. Williams had a standout performance in the opener but struggled in the recent game.
Chris Cenac Jr. and Tucker DeVries replaced Gonzalez and Williams in the starting lineup. Cenac had a rough first half but bounced back in the second half with a stronger performance. He finished with 16 points, five rebounds, four blocks, and five turnovers. Veesaar from the Hawks put up 20 points in the game.
Players vying for two-way contracts and roster spots had mixed performances. Dillon Mitchell had a decent game with 11 points, while John Tonje and Tucker DeVries struggled with their shooting. Milos Uzan couldn't replicate his earlier efficiency in this game. Curtis Jones, with NBA experience, has not performed well in the Summer League.
Celtics owner Bill Chisholm and his children were present at the game. Kyle Mangas returned from an injury and made a highlight play with a steal and a buzzer-beating three-pointer. The Celtics will face the Sacramento Kings in their next game at the Thomas & Mack Center.