Hugo González Scores 17 Points in Celtics Preseason Win

Hugo González delivered a standout performance in the Boston Celtics’ 144–106 preseason victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench at TD Garden, MARCA reported.

According to MARCA, his instant offense anchored a +19 point differential during his time on the floor, continuing a strong summer and preseason trajectory following his rookie campaign.

Preseason Rotation Decisions Shape the TD Garden Matchup

Both coaching staffs managed their rosters with an eye toward the regular season, leading to significant roster absences. Diario AS noted that the Philadelphia 76ers deployed only two starters from their usual Opening Night lineup—Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe—while resting Joel Embiid and keeping other key players sidelined. The Celtics also kept Jayson Tatum out of the starting lineup rotation for heavy minute loads, though Tatum still supplied 23 points in 27 minutes of action, as reported by Diario AS.

For Boston, the contest marked the home debut of Paul George, who joined the franchise earlier in the summer in the blockbuster trade involving Jaylen Brown. George recorded 13 points, five rebotes, and four asistencias in 25 minutes of play, integrating into Joe Mazzulla’s schemes ahead of the October 20 regular-season tip-off.

González Cements His Role in Boston’s Wing Rotation

Mazzulla faces the challenge of absorbing the production lost from Brown’s departure. Through the opening exhibitions of the autumn schedule, González has staked an early claim to a meaningful rotation spot. After tallying 15 points, four rebotes, and five asistencias in an earlier 124–113 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Spanish wing elevated his efficiency against Philadelphia.

Diario AS pointed out that across his first two preseason appearances, González has converted 7-of-10 attempts from beyond the arc for a total of 32 points. His physical development—specifically an improved upper-body strength and advanced ball-handling—has allowed him to transition from a perimeter spot-up shooter into a more assertive two-way threat capable of putting the ball on the floor.

Comparisons Across the Atlantic and Offseason Shifts

While González thrives in his second NBA season, other Spanish and European talents are navigating changing landscapes across the league. In the earlier clash against Cleveland, González faced Mario Hezonja, who returned to the NBA after a stint with Real Madrid. Mundo Deportivo reported that Hezonja finished with five points and five rebotes in 17 minutes off the bench for the Cavaliers, trailing the statistical impact of his younger compatriot.

Meanwhile, rookie guard Sergio de Larrea made his presence felt for the Dallas Mavericks during their exhibition series in Macao, recording 11 points and six asistencias against the Houston Rockets, according to Estadio Deportivo. Back in Boston, the Celtics will continue their final preparations ahead of official league play, with González pressing for an extended role off Mazzulla’s bench.

More on this story: Hugo González outplays Mario Hezonja as Celtics top Cavaliers · Celtics Defeat Cavaliers in Preseason Opener Behind Luka Garza