The Boston Celtics started their 2022-23 campaign that honors the life and legacy of Hall of Fame big man Bill Russell as the man himself would have wanted it. They earned a 126-117 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
The game took place at a TD Garden transformed by the players wearing the City Edition jerseys he helped design. The jerseys pay homage to his historic career and works off the court that literally bears the imprint of his greatness.
Looking much like the behemoth that came within two wins of an NBA title last season, the team had issues controlling Sixers star Joel Embiid for much of the first half but had the game in hand by the final quarter’s start.
Let’s take a look at what NBA and Celtics Twitter were saying about the season opener win for Boston on the league’s unofficial social media platform.
First quarter
Jaylen Brown speaks about what Bill Russell means to the Celtics, the NBA & the world 💚 pic.twitter.com/HBPkMJzVFE
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 18, 2022
Marcus Smart draws first blood.
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) October 18, 2022
7 straight from Tatum. #Celtics #76ers
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) October 18, 2022
What a joke. It's an absolutely ridiculous call. Harden lands so far ahead of where he took off, but only with the one foot that lands directly on Horford somehow!
— Ryan Bernardoni (@dangercart) October 18, 2022
Two fouls on Joel Embiid.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 18, 2022
First regular season application of the Take Foul rule.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 18, 2022
Brogdon is a brilliant passer, my goodness
— Cameron 🎃 Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) October 19, 2022
Oh boy…
Boston has fouled Harden three times shooting a three in the first quarter.
He's about to have 8 FTAs with 1:03 left in Q1.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 19, 2022
Second quarter
Malcolm Brogdon scores 6 straight points to open the 2nd quarter for the #Celtics. Told us during the preseason, playing alongside JT opens up the floor for him!
— Abby Chin (@tvabby) October 19, 2022
Not sure what else grant is supposed to do
— Anchorage Man (@SethPartnow) October 19, 2022
Jayson Tatum has been everywhere defensively early on for the Celtics. Getting involved in all sorts of stuff at that end, including nearly getting a steal off of Joel Embiid on that last possession.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 19, 2022
Big Smooth checking into the game https://t.co/jI8JnOUv0d
— Cameron 🎃 Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) October 19, 2022
PREMATURE EVALUATION: Jayson Tatum is opening up this season with the highest level of off-the-bounce aggressiveness of his career, and he's doing so with strength through contact. This is a significant development.
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) October 19, 2022
Oh Tatum. That's the good stuff in transition.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 19, 2022
Halftime thoughts:
Celtics: JB and JT attacking the rim beautifully, Vonleh mins not that bad, need to stop fouling ASAP
76ers: Attacking their spots well, getting mixed upby Celtics' screens too easily, Embiid/Harden duo is very annoying (but very effective)
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) October 19, 2022
Third quarter
Marcus Smart called for a PF and. given a Tech. I'm feeling the F Embiid chants!!! https://t.co/GKQcALz4aW
— Abby Chin (@tvabby) October 19, 2022
We just got our first, “the ref warned both teams to stop complaining” of the year. The NBA is really back now.
— Yaya Dubin (@JADubin5) October 19, 2022
Defense leads to offense
— Richard White (@RamblinWreck34) October 19, 2022
I’ve been more involved in Philly’s offense than Maxey tonight
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) October 19, 2022
Cackling over here after that last bucket. Tatum is in late season form in Game 1.
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) October 19, 2022
Embiid sucking wind already.
— John Zannis (@John_Zannis) October 19, 2022
Jayson Tatum with a step-back three and TD Garden is rocking 🔊
🎥 @NBA | @Celtics pic.twitter.com/GuSDXDHsWf
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 19, 2022
Fourth quarter
Mazzulla opens the 4Q with a lineup of White, Brogdon, Hauser, G. Williams, Griffin – all of whom will be reserves once the Celtics are fully healthy. That's trust.
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) October 19, 2022
malcolm brogdon isn't fair on this team
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) October 19, 2022
Maxey is keeping the Sixers in it, but Brown is keeping them just out of reach.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 19, 2022
#Celtics building on their lead without Tatum on the floor. He's getting plenty rest. #76ers
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) October 19, 2022
Grant Williams taking "betting on himself" very seriously
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) October 19, 2022
Mazzulla is challenging the call on Horford. Didn't look like Horford touched him after he made separation. #Celtics #76ers
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) October 19, 2022
Tatum had been on best behavior prior to that tech. Virtually no beefing with the refs all night. Then he has a justified complaint and gets whacked with a T. Go figure.
— John Zannis (@John_Zannis) October 19, 2022
Brown drills a three to put Boston up 15 with 3:19 left. Looks like Doc Rivers might be waving the white flag here.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 19, 2022
Celtics 126, Sixers 117
What a night while celebrating the life and legacy of Bill Russell!
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) October 19, 2022
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