4 takeaways as Celtics beat Hornets in Summer League as rookie shines

July 13, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS — The Celtics won their second straight game in Summer League on Monday, pulling away in the second half for a 87-75 victory over the Hornets.

Five different players finished in double figures for the Celtics led by second-round pick Dillon Mitchell who led all scorers with 24 points and six steals. John Tonje had his second straight strong game with 17 points while Hugo Gonzalez chipped in with 14 points.

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Boston’s offense started slow again in this matchup, managing just 17 first quarter points. However, the team found its rhythm once again in the second half, dominating a Hornets squad that had several rotation players active including Ryan Kalkbrenner, Sion James and Liam McNeeley.

Boston improved to 2-0 in Summer League with the victory to remain towards the top of the Summer League standings. Boston returns to action again on Monday to face off against the Hawks at 6 p.m. ET.

Here are four takeaways from the Celtics’ win on Sunday night:

Hugo Gonzalez shakes off slow start: The Celtics still have high hopes for the second-year wing but it hasn’t been the offensive Summer League the 20-year-old likely envisioned. Gonzalez missed five of his first six shots in another tough offensive performance for Boston, with four of those misses coming from 3-point range. However, Gonzalez bounced back in the fourth quarter with a couple makes to finish with 14 points. He also had four turnovers as he struggled with his handle while carrying a heavier offensive onus. Gonzalez still had some bright spots with his assists and defense (three steals) but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his Summer League stint come to an end soon after playing for Spain already earlier this summer in World Cup qualifying.

Dillon Mitchell shows off a surprise shooting touch: The second-round pick looked like a steal on Sunday afternoon as he played the best all-around game among any Celtic on the floor. Mitchell knocked down two 3-point shots in rhythm and wasn’t hesitant in taking open looks from the perimeter. He also crashed the offensive glass hard (five offensive boards) while serving as a defensive force, piling up four steals and two blocks. His ability to provide help in so many areas of the game makes him a very intriguing prospect for Boston coming out of St. John’s.

John Tonje is making a push for a two-way spot: The second-year guard is currently a free agent officially after finishing his rookie season on a two-way deal for Boston. The Celtics likely already have two of those spots accounted for next season with Amari Williams and Mitchell, making Tonje a candidate for the final one. He helped himself once again on Sunday after a strong debut. He knocked down three 3 -point attempts and was efficient in creating his own shot against a Hornets team full of NBA talent. Boston may got outside the organization to fill the final two-way spot but Tonje looks like a strong candidate if they pick someone from this roster.

Chris Cenac Jr. showing promise despite rough shooting: The big man came off the bench for the second straight game for the Celtics. It was a clunky offensive performance for the big man, who missed six of his first seven shots. He still did some nice work on the boards though and provided good rim protection on the interior in his 19 minutes.

4 takeaways as Celtics beat Hornets in Summer League as rookie shines

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