6 takeaways from the Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors preseason matchup

Brian Babineau | NBAE via Getty Images

The Boston Celtics took down the Toronto Raptors last night in another close game, winning 113-111. Overall, it was a pretty good game, but there were definitely times where both teams struggled. That’s just what preseason basketball is all about, though.

Despite being 2-0 in the preseason so far, the Celtics have been far from perfect. Both games came down to the wire, and they have been decided by a total of three points. There are always positives and negatives to games, and even though this is only preseason, last night was no different. What are some of the takeaways from Boston’s win vs. the Raptors?

Takeaways from the Boston Celtics preseason game vs. the Toronto Raptors

1. Offense could be an issue

Starting off with one of the clearest issues of the night, Boston’s offense looked rough at times. Brian Scalabrine continuously brought up this point on the broadcast, and he was so right - this Celtics offense does not have an identity. Now, it’s obviously very early in the year, so there is plenty of time for them to develop an identity. However, as of now, it seems that the Celtics’ only offensive game plan is to shoot threes or go to isolation. The ball movement is fine until that shot doesn’t lead to an open three. Then, it’s just a bunch of players scrambling to try and make something happen. Boston actually shot very efficiently on the night, but something just seemed a bit off. As the season goes on, though, everything should be able to smooth itself out.

2. Jayson Tatum needs to find his groove

Jayson Tatum started getting hot towards the end of the game, but overall it was another shaky performance from the Celtics superstar. He just couldn’t seem to find the bottom of the net no matter how hard he tried. This one followed a rough shooting night in Boston’s first preseason game vs. the Magic, too. Tatum needs to put his head down, drive to the rim, and get some easy shots before he starts chucking from outside.

3. Romeo Langford might be the real deal

Up until this point, the only thing Romeo Langford has seemingly done well is play defense. Well, the young wing might just be turning a corner. He was nothing short of incredible last night, shooting 5-6 from the field and 3-4 from deep. Through two games, Langford is shooting 5-6 from three-point range, and that is not something a lot of people saw coming. If he becomes a consistent three-point shooter, he could be one of the more valuable pieces Boston has coming off their bench. Langford would immediately become a lethal 3&D threat who can also put the ball on the floor and create shots for others.

4. Payton Pritchard has a cannon

Maybe this isn’t new information, but it certainly is noteworthy. Payton Pritchard’s range is absolutely astonishing. Having a player who can pull up from long range like that is a hot commodity in this league. The floor spacing he provides for Boston’s stars is amazing.

5. Al Horford is a splash brother

Speaking of spacing, Al Horford was great last night. He went 4-4 from three-point range and showed off one of the reasons why he has found so much success in the NBA. Having someone like Horford available to space the floor and also defend the paint at such a high level is going to help the Celtics a ton. Not to mention the culture he will help set in the locker room. It’s just great to have Big Al back in Boston.

6. Three-point shooting has improved

Outside of Langford, Pritchard, and Horford, the rest of the team is doing a great job shooting the ball, too. In years past, one of the biggest complaints from Celtics fans is that the role players weren’t good enough shooters. Well, that doesn’t seem like it will be a problem this season. Players like Aaron Nesmith, Grant Williams, and all of the other players that were mentioned are all looking like elite three-point threats. Having so many options from deep should do wonders for Boston’s offensive attack.

The Celtics will look to improve to 3-0 next game when they take on the Orlando Magic once again. That game will take place on Wednesday, October 13, and tips off at 7:00 p.m. (EST) on NBC Sports Boston.