Celtics Blow Out Grizzlies in Preseason Opener: What Can Fans Take Away from This Game?
The Boston Celtics kicked off the 2025–2026 preseason with a refreshing 121–103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, and while it’s only preseason, fans have plenty to feel optimistic about. After an offseason filled with uncertainty, trades, and the painful departure of several veteran stars, Wednesday’s victory offered a glimpse into what this new version of the Celtics could become. Without Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, or Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s revamped roster played with intensity, speed, and energy. The result wasn’t just a win, it felt like a statement that this team is ready to turn the page on last year’s disappointing ending.
What stood out most was how head coach Joe Mazzulla’s vision was immediately visible on the court. The Celtics looked fast, focused, and unselfish – all qualities that had faded during last year’s struggles. Derrick White attacked the rim with confidence, and the defense looked aggressive, racking up 13 steals and 10 blocks. While it’s easy to overreact to preseason basketball, this early display of chemistry and hustle suggests that the Celtics may surprise people who wrote them off after losing their core stars. The team’s commitment to a scrappy, high-effort identity fits perfectly with the culture of Boston sports.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White now have the spotlight, and both players looked ready to lead. Brown, fully healthy after knee surgery, dropped 21 points in just 20 minutes, showing flashes of his All-NBA form. Meanwhile, White looked like a legitimate all-star candidate, recording 16 points and 10 assists. The chemistry between the two guards could define this new Celtics era. With Tatum sidelined, Brown and White aren’t just temporary leaders; they are the foundation on which Boston’s future will be built.
Another promising takeaway was the emergence of new contributors like Luka Garza and rookie Hugo González. Garza impressed with his rebounding and physical play, reminiscent of Luke Kornet’s role in past seasons. González brought energy and athleticism, blocking three shots and throwing down an emphatic dunk. These performances hint that Boston’s bench could be deeper and tougher than expected. Even though the team lacks the star power of previous years, this version of the Celtics seems determined to win through effort, defense, and team chemistry.
However, there does appear to be one clear weakness: rebounding. Even with all their energy, the Celtics allowed 13 offensive boards to a shorthanded Grizzlies team. Mazzulla’s visible frustration during those moments shows he knows this issue can’t continue if the team wants to maintain its new up-tempo style. The Celtics’ ability to control the glass will be a key storyline as the regular season begins.
Overall, this preseason win felt like a breath of fresh air for Celtics fans. After months of uncertainty and disappointment, the team’s new identity – fast, gritty, and unified – brings back the underdog spirit Boston loves. Whether or not this energy lasts through the long NBA season, it’s clear that the Celtics have embraced change and are ready to fight for something bigger than themselves. The 2025–2026 Celtics may not be a superteam, but they might just be the kind of team that wins hearts, and maybe even more.
