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Boston Celtics: The C’s, Amir Johnson Impress In Preseason Win Over Nets

By Eric Laboissonniere

Oct 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Shane Larkin (0) defends against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Shane Larkin (0) defends against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics are fresh off their business trip overseas, and showed no signs of jet lag in their preseason victory over the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night. The team did have some time to rest after their trip, but the Nets were their first NBA opponent during the preseason, and the Celtics made sure that they got off to a great start.

The team won 109-105, and the Celtics made viewers know that even though this game does not mean much, the team was still going to go 100 percent. General manager Danny Ainge has put together a roster filled with different players that have many talents, but each player has the same hard-working attitude, especially some of the new additions.

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Amir Johnson‘s versatility 

Take Amir Johnson for example, he is known for his defense, rebounding and work ethic, but he also showed last night that people should not forget about his offensive skills. Johnson put up 19 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, which shows his versatility on both ends of floor.

The Nets are not a very defensive-minded team, and Johnson exposed them in paint and on the perimeter last night, particularly Brook Lopez, who Johnson blew by multiple times. Johnson also might have the slowest three-point release in the NBA, but he can knock them down if he is given plenty of time.

Johnson was known as a defensive specialist in Toronto, but he can do much more than just play defense. He will be able to help the Celtics on offense this season, and he will create great balance in the frontcourt with many of the different big men on the team.

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Other impressive players

Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Kelly Olynyk, and R.J. Hunter all impressed for the Celtics Wednesday night. Thomas was scoring in a variety of ways Wednesday night, and he went 3-for-5 from deep. Thomas showed that he is probably going to be the go-to scorer for the Celtics this season, even though he will not start for the team.

Olynyk has been very impressive all offseason up until preseason because of his great stint with the Canadian national team over the summer. He pairs well with all of the other frontcourt players on the Celtics like Johnson, David Lee, and Zeller because he can space the floor so the paint is not too crowded.

Olynyk has a big season ahead of him because he needs to prove that he can be a consistent player on both ends of the floor for the team.

Hunter showed again that he is going to make an impact on the team this season as rookie. Hunter shot well from deep and he showed that he can play tough defense because of his quick feet. He affects the game in so many ways, and coach Brad Stevens has given him many opportunities to prove himself this preseason, and Hunter has not disappointed.

Hunter is going to keep fighting to show that he deserves to be in the rotation and not the NBA D-League.

Overall

It is just preseason, but the Celtics look like they are starting to get a grasp on what their players can offer. Coach Stevens has messed around with many lineups, but it will take a little time to find out which one will work best.

The Celtics next preseason game will be against the New York Knicks on Friday, and that will be another time for the Celtics to test different lineups and rotations.

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