Celtics Over Hornets 87-75 in Summer League

Second Straight Victory Puts Celtics in Strong Position

The Celtics improved to a 2‑0 Summer League record after dispatching the Hornets 87‑75 on Monday night in Las Vegas. Boston built momentum with a dominant second‑half performance after a sluggish first quarter. The win moves the Celtics toward the top of the Summer League standings and gives them confidence heading into their next game.

Boston’s offense was limited to just 17 points in the opening period but found its rhythm after the break. The defense tightened, forcing turnovers and limiting Charlotte’s scoring chances. Five Celtics finished with double‑figure tallies, showing depth and consistency across the roster.

Dillon Mitchell Leads Scoring With 24 Points

Second‑round pick Dillon Mitchell paced the Celtics with 24 points and six steals, earning the highest single‑game total. He added five offensive rebounds, two blocks, and four steals, showcasing an all‑around impact that made him the standout performer for St. John’s. Mitchell’s ability to hit open threes and crash the boards should make him an attractive asset for Boston moving forward.

John Tonje followed up a solid debut with another strong outing, contributing 17 points and three successful three‑pointers. The second‑year guard is currently a free agent after a two‑way rookie season and is now in the mix for the final two‑way spot. Tonje’s efficiency against a Hornets roster loaded with NBA talent highlights his potential to secure a roster spot next year.

Hugo Gonzalez added 14 points in his return game, though he missed five of his first six shots. The 20‑year‑old wing showed defensive instincts with three steals but also logged four turnovers, indicating mixed confidence in his ball‑handling. His Summer League stint may be brief, given his earlier commitments to Spain.

Rising Stars Light Up Hornets Rotation

Charlotte fielded several promising players, including Ryan Kalkbrenner, Sion James, and Liam McNeeley, all of whom saw significant minutes in the summer showcase. The Hornets’ depth gave them moments of competitiveness, but Boston’s consistency in the second half sealed the outcome. The matchup offered both teams a glimpse of future NBA talent across the league.

Key Takeaways from the Game

• Hugo Gonzalez’s rough start. The Spanish wing missed five of his first six shots and struggled with ball control, finishing with 14 points, three steals, and four turnovers. His Summer League tenure may be cut short after earlier commitments.
• Dillon Mitchell’s surprise shooting touch. The rookie produced two threes, five offensive boards, four steals, and two blocks while posting a season‑high 24 points, proving his versatility.
• John Tonje pushes for a two‑way spot. After a solid debut, Tonje knocked down three threes and created his own shots, positioning himself as a candidate for Boston’s final two‑way roster slot.
• Chris Cenac Jr.’s rough shooting but solid rim protection. The big man missed six of his first seven attempts yet contributed valuable boards and defensive stops in 19 minutes.

Looking Ahead: Celtics Take On Hawks

Boston returns to the court Monday evening to face the Hawks at 6 p.m. ET, aiming to keep its Summer League momentum alive. The Celtics will look to build on the offensive growth shown in the second half and continue developing chemistry among their promising young players. Fans can expect another fast‑paced contest as the league’s early games progress.