Hugo González just absolutely went off against the Philadelphia 76ers, dropping a team-leading 21 points off the bench in the Boston Celtics’ 125-120 overtime win. This wasn’t against some scrub team either, we’re talking about a Philly squad that rolled out LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. Meanwhile, the Celtics had their regulars Jayson Tatum and Paul George chilling on the sidelines, running with Hayden Gray, Milos Uzan, Gabe McGlothan, Tucker DeVries, and Chris Cenac Jr. as starters. Talk about a statement!
The Game That Proved Everything
González, just 20 years old and in his second year, was the guy who stole the spotlight at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Celtics were down 14 points in the second half, but he was Boston’s difference-maker, sparking that comeback. He shot 6-of-11 from the field, hitting 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. And get this: not a single turnover in 19 minutes! Four rebounds, three assists, and a steal too. That polished 3-point shot and improved ball-handling? Yeah, he unveiled those big time. Remember in the first quarter when he picked Jaylen Brown’s pocket and then flushed a wide-open two-handed dunk on the other end? LeBron James was cruising, looking disengaged, but González was hustling. This game might not have counted for anything in the standings, but it sure counted for everything in showing what this kid is capable of. For the second time this preseason, Boston didn’t need its top guys to take care of the opposition’s best, just like in the opener against the Cavaliers.
From Spain to Vegas to Philly, The Rise Is Real
This performance wasn’t some fluke, it’s the cherry on top of months of work. Back in July, González was already putting in work with the Spain national team for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, making appearances against Denmark, Georgia, and Greece. Then he hit Las Vegas for Summer League with the Celtics, where he straight-up led the team in scoring with 18.3 points per game. You could see the offseason strides back then, and he’s only gotten better. The confidence is just different now. He’s got a new kind of swagger when he attacks the rim, and it pairs perfectly with his boldness on defense. His catch-and-shoot 3-pointers? Money. His drives to the basket? Aggressive. This isn’t a kid hoping to make the team, this is a player poised to make a major leap.
What’s Next for Year 2 Hugo?
This was the final competitive opportunity before Opening Night, and González clearly didn’t approach it like a game that “counted for absolutely nothing.” He played like it mattered, because for him, it absolutely does. After seeing him lead the Summer League, then dominate against a stacked Sixers team with our main guys on the bench, how can you not be hyped? What a way to cap off preseason! The Celtics are clearly comfortable with what this young guy brings, and with his year two looking “scary” already, everyone’s got their eyes on what he does when the real games begin.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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