Game Thread: Jazz Summer League Game 3 - Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs

Thursday,  July 9, 2015
Utah Jazz Summer League Game 3
7:00 PM ET
NBA-TV, Summer League Pass, CSNNE
Energy Solutions Arena

The Celtics come into this game looking for their first win in 3 tries.  In their first two games they have struggled to score, especially from beyond the arc where they shot just 9-54 in their first two games.  Marcus Smart is expected to be back on the court for this game after sitting out the Celtics' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.  The Celtics are trying to balance getting Smart enough experience at the point with being able to evaluate the other players in the crowded back court.   

The Celtics came into Summer League pledging to be the best defensive team in both leagues.  They have fallen way short in that area so far, allowing 100 points against the Jazz and letting them get to the hoop way at will.  Against the Sixers, they also allowed them to get inside too easily.  They need to pick up their defense if they hope to win this game. 

After this game, the Celtics will head for Las Vegas where they will participate in the NBA's premiere Summer League.  Their first game in Vegas will be against Portland on Saturday.   It would be nice to close out this league with a win.  Celtics are hoping that  RJ Hunter and James Young will snap out of their slumps and show the shooting touch they were drafted for.

Celtics Roster
#60 Eric Buckner
# 49 CJ Fair
#68 Jonathan Holmes
#28 RJ Hunter
#55 Jordan Mickey
#48 Malcolm Miller
#47 Royce O'Neale
#12 Terry Rozier
#36 Marcus Smart
#27 Marcus Thornton
#46 Corey Walden
#13 James Young
#26 Phil Pressey
Ralph Sampson III

Coaches
Jamie Young; Jay Larranaga; Walter McCarty; Micah Shrewsberry

Players to Watch
Marcus Smart
Smart was the best player in the Celtics opening game vs the Jazz finishing with 26 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. He was very effective taking the ball inside and hit 12 of 13 free throws. However, he was only 2-10 from beyond the arc.  He sat out the second game for rest and should be back on the court for this one. 

Jordan Mickey
Mickey has been aggressive and played very well for the Celtics. He started at center and scored 16 points on 7-8 shooting  with 4 rebounds and 3 blocks in the first game.  He was just 1-7 from the field against the Sixers for 4 points with 2 rebounds and 3 blocks.  Since he isn't guaranteed a contract, he needs to play well in order to earn a spot on the roster. 

RJ Hunter
Hunter was drafted as a scorer but things haven't worked out for him this far.  He is just 0-4 in the two games.  Although he's shown more on defense than James Young,  he still needs to improve on that end as well. 

James Young
The hype for Young was very high going into Summer League.  He gained 20 lbs of muscle and has been working hard on his game, especially on the defensive end.  But, he hasn't shown much so far.  He is 2-13 from the field with just 2 rebounds in the two games so far.  He still looks a bit lost on the defensive end.  He should be showing more going into his sophomore season. 




Spurs Roster
Kyle Anderson
Darion Atkins
Dairis Bertans
Wayne Blackshear
Marcus Denmon
Trevon Graham
Livio Jean-Charles
Cady Lalanne
Ryan Manuel
Stefan Nastic
Shannon Scott
Roscoe Smith
Casper Ware

Coaches
Becky Hammon, Jim Boylen, Ime Udoka, Chip Engelland, Chad Forcier


Players to Watch
Kyle Anderson
Anderson scored 25 points against the Jazz.  He also added 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.  He also added 8 points and 9 rebounds against the Sixers. 

Treveon Graham
Graham scored 17 off the bench for the Jazz against the Jazz along with 3 rebounds. 

Dairis Bertans scored 19 in a start against the Sixers. 

Keys to the Game
Rebound - The Celtics have struggled on the boards in the first two games.   They were out-rebounded by 20 in each of their first two games.  They must make more of an effort to box out and to crash the boards. 

Take it to the Hoop -  The Celtics have struggled from beyond the arc and hit just 9 of 54 three pointers in their first two games.  They have been able to score by taking it inside and if the threes aren't falling they need to get into the paint. 

Defense -  The Celtics need to make good on their desire to be the best defensive team in Summer League.  Defense wins games and the Celtics have to do a better job on defense if they hope to finish this league with a win.