Hugo González opens preseason with a strong Celtics showing

Hugo González opened his NBA preseason with the Celtics by delivering a performance that puts him in the conversation about who can step into Jaylen Brown’s role. Boston beat the Cavaliers 124-113 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland in González’s first preseason game with the team. The 20-year-old, who is 1.98 metres tall, also reached double figures in scoring and produced an all-around night.

In his first game of the post-Jaylen Brown era, the Spanish guard finished with 15 points, four rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes. He made two of three two-point attempts, three of six three-pointers and all three free throws. That showing supports the case for González to have an important role in the Celtics’ new setup, though it does not by itself establish him as Brown’s successor.

Several teammates also helped secure the win. Luka Garza had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman scored 16 apiece. Devin Carter added 17. Paul George, Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, Mitchell Robinson, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White did not play.

For the Cavaliers, Jaylon Tyson scored 14 points, Tristan Enaruna had 13 and Donovan Mitchell put up 11 in 17 minutes. Cleveland came into the game after its preseason in Málaga.