Hugo González scored 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out five assists to lead the Boston Celtics to an 82-76 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Summer League on Wednesday, improving the Celtics to 3-1 in the tournament.
González Shines in Key Role
González, the 28th overall pick in last year’s draft, delivered a standout performance, shooting 8-of-18 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and converting all three of his free throw attempts. His 24 points marked a significant contribution as the Celtics’ most experienced player at 20 years old. Summer league coach Amile Jefferson praised González for embracing his expanded role, saying, “We’re not asking him to do anything that I don’t think he can do every time he steps on the floor.”
González’s effort came after a slow start to the summer league, where he had averaged 15.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists through three games. His performance against the Kings highlighted his growth, with Jefferson noting, “That’s pressure the ball, be a playmaker. That’s crash [the boards] every time. When he’s open, shoot it.”
Kings Struggle Offense, Celtics Seize Opportunity
The Kings faced a disastrous opening quarter, going 1-of-19 from the field and scoring just two points before Mogbo’s putback with 9:03 left in the first quarter. The Celtics capitalized, building a 13-2 lead and extending their advantage to 39-28 at halftime. Sacramento’s struggles continued, missing 18 of its first 19 shots and failing to score for nearly seven minutes.
Despite a late rally, the Kings fell short. Rookie Alex Karaban led Sacramento with 21 points and eight rebounds, hitting 5-of-7 3-pointers. However, the Celtics’ defense held strong, with a 11-0 run in the final minutes sealing the win. Karaban’s third 3-pointer with 54 seconds left cut the deficit to 77-75, but Milos Uzan countered with a layup to restore a five-point margin.
Supporting Roles and Team Dynamics
John Tonje added 18 points, while undrafted guard Milos Uzan, on a training camp contract, contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. Chris Cenac Jr., a second-round pick, chipped in 10 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. The Celtics’ rebounding advantage—averaging 41.0 per game compared to Sacramento’s 34.7—proved critical, with Amari Williams, a 7-foot center, occasionally running the offense despite not recording a standout statistical game.
The Kings, meanwhile, rested key players including first-round pick Darius Acuff Jr. and second-year guards Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud. Coach Chris Darnell acknowledged the team’s challenges, stating, “It’s a tough spot when you’re missing your core players.” Sacramento’s 1-3 record in the summer league leaves them facing a consolation game against the Hornets on Friday.
Summer League Context and Future Games
The Celtics, who had a day off before the game, improved to fourth in the summer league standings after Wednesday’s win. They will play their final game on Saturday, aiming to secure a stronger position ahead of the regular season. Jefferson emphasized the team’s focus on “scoring until the final buzzer” to maximize point differentials, a strategy evident in the game’s closing moments.
For the Kings, the loss underscores the challenges of a young roster without its top draft picks. Sacramento’s next game against Charlotte will determine their final standing, while the Celtics look to build momentum as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. González’s performance, along with contributions from Tonje and Uzan, highlights the potential of Boston’s summer league squad as they continue to evaluate talent.
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