### Celtics Edge Nuggets 107-103 in Preseason Opener

The Boston Celtics secured a close 107-103 win over the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener on Friday. While the result itself is not overly significant, the performances and details from the game provide some early insights.

Payton Pritchard was one of the standout performers for the Celtics. After a notable previous preseason averaging 15.6 points in 23.6 minutes per game, Pritchard outdid himself, scoring 21 points in 24 minutes. He was aggressive from the start, making 6 of 12 three-point attempts and adding six assists. His strong performance could be an indicator of continued growth this season.

The Celtics appeared to be shaking off the effects of a recent 12-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, leading to some early sloppy play. Notable players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown made uncharacteristic turnovers, and Luke Kornet missed a difficult tip-in attempt. Despite these issues, the Celtics defense had its moments, including a notable block by Brown on Vlatko Čančar.

Derrick White was relentless on defense, demonstrating why he is one of the team’s key players. He made significant defensive plays, including stripping the ball from Aaron Gordon and forcing Michael Porter Jr. into a travel. White's intensity set the tone for the game, reflecting head coach Joe Mazzulla’s expectations.

Xavier Tillman showed a promising improvement in his shooting during the game. Usually known for his defense, Tillman managed to hit two of his three three-point attempts. Despite a career three-point shooting percentage of just 26.7 percent, his performance on Friday suggests potential growth in this area, which the Celtics could certainly use, especially during Kristaps Porziņģis’ absence.

The Celtics were without Porziņģis and Al Horford, leading to Luke Kornet stepping in as a starter. Kornet contributed six points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in their stead. The bench, including Jaden Springer and Jordan Walsh, showed flashes of potential, combining for five offensive rebounds and several notable defensive plays, although their shooting left something to be desired.

In contrast, Baylor Scheierman had a rocky preseason debut, missing his early shots and making some poor decisions on the court. Although his first game was underwhelming, it’s too early to draw any definitive conclusions about his potential impact.

Boston's offense retained its three-point heavy strategy, attempting 61 shots from beyond the arc, which would have been a franchise record had it been a regular-season game. Tatum, recovering from a less-than-stellar playoff performance in this regard, managed to hit 3 of 7 three-point attempts, contributing to his team's overall effort.

In summary, the Celtics showcased a mix of strong individual performances and some early-season rust. Their preseason opener highlighted areas of both potential and needed improvement, setting the stage for the upcoming season.