BOSTON — As the Celtics and Spurs played in front of a raucous TD Garden crowd, it had the makings of a playoff-like atmosphere. Those are rare at this point in the season in January, but both teams made plays throughout the night. Plus, it pitted two of the top teams in the league when it came to record.
The Spurs came out on top 100-95 over the Celtics as their defense gave the C’s issues in the second half. Boston came into the night with the top offensive rating in the league, but Victor Wembanyama‘s presence was a factor on the defensive end. After the win, Wembanyama spoke about the respect he has for the city and organization.
“Playing Boston is cool,” Wembanyama said. “First of all, the city is pretty cool. I think even though since it’s a back-to-back, so I haven’t had time to really experience it. But it’s pretty cool, pretty walkable unlike many American cities. But playing in this environment is cool. I think obviously they got great history, great culture. It’s a good team. It’s one of the top teams in terms of class in the NBA.”
Wembanyama finished with 21 points, six rebounds and three blocks on the night, affecting multiple shots near the rim. There were stretches where the C’s kept going at the 7-foot-4 big man, but he kept turning shots away. There was a reason why the C’s totaled 40 points in the second half as they couldn’t generate consistent offense.
The Spurs look like a team ready to take that next step this season. They’re 27-11, good for second in the West, after beating the Celtics. San Antonio has done all that despite missing Wembanyama for stretches due to injury. But the roster as a whole, which features ex-C’s big man Luke Kornet, has multiple talented pieces.
The Celtics pushed a soft reset button last summer, trading away multiple pieces. But they’re still 24-14, tied for second in the East, as they’ve exceeded expectations. Of course, the C’s are also without their all-world player in Jayson Tatum, who continues his Achilles rehab. Regardless, Saturday was a great test for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons.
“They play very physical,” Wembanyama said. “They play with effort. They got many guys that can do similar things at a similar intensity, so they have a real ability, and sometimes that prevails over star players.”
