How Marcus Good, Robert Williams, ex-Celtics fared in new crew debuts initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston
Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation each made robust first impressions of their first recreation with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night time. However the identical will be stated for the gamers the Celtics misplaced this offseason.
Whereas Porzingis set a franchise report and Vacation performed lockdown protection in Boston’s 108-104 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Sq. Backyard, a quartet of former Celtics made their debuts for his or her new NBA groups Wednesday night time after being traded by Boston this offseason.
All 4 of these gamers — Marcus Good, Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon and Grant Williams — scored in double digits whereas capturing 50 p.c or higher from the ground. Here is a fast rundown of their performances.
Stat line: 17 factors, 6 for 11 FG (54.5 p.c), 2 for six 3PT (33.3 p.c), three assists, two steals, 5 turnovers
Good did not wait round in his Memphis debut, burying a 3-pointer from one among his favourite spots lower than two minutes into the Grizzlies’ matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Good solely made one different deep ball however excelled contained in the arc, going 4 for five from 2-point vary.
Good performed second fiddle to Desmond Bane, who racked up 31 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in Memphis’ 111-104 loss. His 17 factors have been tied for second-most on the crew, nevertheless, and with Ja Morant sidelined because of suspension, the Grizzlies shall be counting on Good for vital offensive manufacturing early within the season.
Stat line: 10 factors, 5 for 7 FG (71.4 p.c), seven rebounds, three steals, one block
If you’re like our Chris Forsberg and can miss Williams’ athletic finishes on the rim, at the very least you’ll be able to watch him do the identical for Portland. Here is Time Lord throwing down an alley-oop and a contested slam off pick-and-roll feeds within the Blazers’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers:
Maybe the most important growth for Williams, nevertheless, was that he successfully made a mid-range shot. The previous Celtics huge man basically had no offensive recreation exterior the paint in Boston, so if he can add this to his repertoire, that is nice information for Portland.
Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Path Blazers
Stat line: 20 factors, 8 for 16 FG (50 p.c) 3 of 5 3PT (60 p.c), two rebounds, 5 assists
After profitable Sixth Man of the Yr in Boston final season, Brogdon picked up proper the place he left off as an excellent sub behind rookie Blazers guard Scoot Henderson. The 30-year-old led Portland in scoring regardless of taking part in simply 22 minutes off the bench.
Brogdon in all probability is not thrilled about being on the lottery-bound Blazers after a deep playoff run with the Celtics final season. But when he continues to supply, he ought to catch the attention of a contender in search of to amass him in a commerce.
Stat line: 17 factors, 6 for 11 FG (54.5 p.c), 4 for 8 3PT (50 p.c), six rebounds, one block
Williams performed the “3 and D” position to a tee in his Mavs debut. The sturdy 24-year-old hit 4 3-pointers (together with one from his “nook workplace”) and guarded a number of positions on protection, even matching up on San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Grant Williams was EXACTLY what Dallas wanted in his Mavs debut
17 factors (8 within the 4th QTR)
6 rebounds
1 block
6/11 FG
4/8 3PHe was an enormous cause Wemby struggled all through the primary three quarters, and he defended a number of positions@Grant2Will 🦇
pic.twitter.com/1n6dy8YQUi— All Issues Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs) October 26, 2023
Grant continues to be Grant, nevertheless, and cameras caught Mavs star Luka Doncic telling Williams to stop complaining to the officials after a third-quarter timeout. Some issues by no means change.