At halftime, the Celtics were shooting 37%, somehow only down by four points, and were it not for Brandon Ingram catching fire for 28 points and 8 rebounds with 1 steal & 1 block, Boston may have pulled off a comeback at home. Kemba Walker was chilly from the floor, but topped out at 25 points (8-19, 3-8 3PT) with 11 assists. Jaylen Brown had 21 points but also went 4-11 from long range, as Gordon Hayward still struggled to show signs of his Utah form post-injury going 4-12 and 2-8 from long range. Other new arrival Enes Kanter had 12 rebounds and 9 points. Jayson Tatum had a quiet night with just 8 points, never finding a rhythm.
The Spurs blew the lead open in the third quarter by outscoring Boston 31-21, led by Ingram (11-19, 3-8 3PT). P.J. Tucker dropped 15 points, hitting three long shots. Jarrett Allen notched 10 points and 6 rebounds. Timofey Mosgov hoisted down 12 rebounds with 8 points, as Taurean Prince and Dejounte Murray combined for 16 points with 9 assists by San Antone's floor general.
It was not a pretty game, as both teams combined for 26 turnovers, the Spurs leading by 16 at one point, simply shooting better at 55% to 42% by Boston.
