Preseason numbers often mean almost nothing. Rotations are unusual, starters rarely play much, and few if any teams are putting a premium on winning games.
As such, it's tough to glean much from exhibition stats.
But what the Boston Celtics and New Orleans rookie Zion Williamson — the No. 1 pick in this year's draft — have been doing so far in the preseason certainly stands out.
New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson (1) dunks as he is defended by San Antonio Spurs' Chimezie Metu (7) and DeMarre Carroll during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in San Antonio. (AP PhotoDarren Abate)
The Celtics are 3-0 after beating Cleveland on Sunday — and have put together a huge run in all three of those games. The latest was a 50-17 spurt against the Cavaliers, a game that was close for most of the first quarter before Boston built what eventually became a 54-point lead.
Boston's other big runs of note in this preseason were a 41-17 stretch last Sunday against Charlotte, and opening the game with a 29-4 burst at Orlando on Friday. On top of the 50-17 run against the Cavs, they added a 26-8 run in the fourth quarter as well.
No matter who the Celtics have on the court, defense has been the constant. Boston is holding opponents to 36.5% shooting through the first three exhibitions, 25.7% from 3-point range.
Boston Celtics' Yante Maten dunks during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
"That's a tied-together group on that end of the court," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
And while 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall has quickly become a fan favorite in Boston — yes, Stevens is aware of the chants where fans are clamoring for him to play more — the numbers are worth noting as well.
"Everyone is flying under the radar," Stevens said Sunday. "Except Tacko."
New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson (1) drives against San Antonio Spurs' Jakob Poeltl during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in San Antonio. (AP PhotoDarren Abate)
When it comes to New Orleans, Williamson isn't flying under anything.
Flying over things is more like it.
The Pelicans are 4-0 in the preseason after winning in San Antonio on Sunday, with Williamson finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He's shot 29 for 36 from the floor in his last three games, and is averaging 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds on 71% shooting — all in about 27 minutes per game.
CELTICS 118, CAVALIERS 72
Max Strus scored 14 points and Boston finished with six players in double figures.
Kemba Walker returned from a one-game absence with knee soreness and scored 12 points in 15 1/2 minutes, going 3 for 3 from 3-point range. The Celtics held the Cavaliers to 33% shooting, 18% on 3-point tries, and forced 29 turnovers.
Sindarius Thornwell scored 12 for Cleveland, which played without Kevin Love (rest) and Tristan Thompson (right groin soreness). Cavs starters Collin Sexton, Matthew Dellavedova and Cedi Osman combined to shoot 3 for 24 and score eight points in 67 minutes.
PELICANS 123, SPURS 114
Williamson's 22 points led seven New Orleans players in double figures on the way to beating San Antonio.
Jrue Holiday scored 16 for the Pelicans, who overcame a 17-point deficit.
Bryn Forbes scored 18 and DeMar DeRozan added 16 for the Spurs, who held out LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay. The Pelicans gave J.J. Redick the day off for rest.
CLIPPERS 118, MELBOURNE UNITED 100
Kawhi Leonard and Rodney McGruder sat out for the Los Angeles Clippers, who got 22 points from Montrezl Harrell and 16 points from Lou Williams.
The Clippers trailed by as many as 11 in the early going and were down to the Australian club 51-47 at the half, then won the third quarter 43-20 — shooting 16 for 20 in the period — to take control.
Melo Trimble led Melbourne United with 22 points.
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