Celtics open Las Vegas Summer League with 83-80 OT win over Raptors

Chris Cenac Jr. starred in his Celtics Summer League debut, hitting a final-second 3 to force overtime and spark an 83-80 comeback win over the Raptors.

Cenac finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench; Amari Williams posted 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Hugo Gonzalez contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

John Tonje added 20 points, and the Celtics overcame a rough first half with improved second-half play to erase a 34-26 halftime deficit.

Boston trailed late in regulation, with the Raptors taking a 1-point lead in the final seconds before Cenac's 3 tied it at 0.8 seconds.

The win opened Summer League play for Boston with Amari Williams and Gonzalez providing notable performances, while Toronto's Allen Graves had 22 points and 13 rebounds.

The Celtics will face the Hornets next as they aim to build on the strong finish in Las Vegas.

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Chris Cenac Jr. Highlights vs Toronto Raptors (14 pts, 10 reb, 4 blk) | 2026 NBA Summer League

Chris Cenac Jr. Leads Celtics to Overtime Victory Over Raptors in 2026 Summer League Opener

Chris Cenac Jr. hit a critical 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, helping the Boston Celtics secure an 83-80 comeback win against the Toronto Raptors in their 2026 Las Vegas Summer League opener. Cenac contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Amari Williams led the team with 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Key Points

Chris Cenac Jr. forced overtime with a last-second 3-pointer after Boston trailed by three points with 30 seconds left.
Amari Williams had a strong performance with 23 points and 13 rebounds, despite a slow start.
The Celtics overcame poor shooting in the first half and multiple turnovers, showing resilience in the second half and overtime.

Game Summary and Player Highlights

The Summer Celtics struggled early, shooting just 23 percent and committing seven turnovers in the first four minutes. Boston fell behind as Toronto's 7-foot-5 center Jamarion Sharp dominated inside. Rookie Dillon Mitchell showcased athleticism with a chase-down block and a highlight putback dunk. Despite a tough shooting night, including a 15 percent field goal rate in the first half, Boston rallied in the second half behind Cenac Jr., Williams, and Hugo González.

Cenac Jr. was notable for his versatile play: he sank an early tomahawk dunk, made key outside shots in the fourth quarter, and maintained hustle plays such as chasing down loose balls. Coach Amile Jefferson praised Cenac for his athleticism, rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor. Williams overcame a rough start, including an airball, to deliver multiple blocks and fast-break points.

After a back-and-forth fourth quarter with the lead changing hands eight times, Cenac’s final three-pointer tied the game. In overtime, Hugo González's free throws and John Tonje’s steal-and-dunk sealed the victory. Boston will face the Charlotte Hornets next in the Summer League.

Context and Team Outlook

This performance offered Celtics fans a glimpse of rookies Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell while showcasing returning players Williams and González. Despite early offensive struggles, the team displayed defensive tenacity and late-game poise. With Celtics head coach Amile Jefferson managing Summer League duties and notable figures like Jayson Tatum attending, the team’s young core is integrating as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

Questions and answers

Q: Chris Cenac Jr. Celtics highlights

A: Chris Cenac Jr. has showcased impressive skills during his time with the Boston Celtics Summer League team. His highlights often feature sharp shooting, quick drives to the basket, and solid defensive plays. Fans have noted his potential as a versatile guard, with several standout moments contributing to key victories in the Summer League.

Q: Celtics vs Raptors 2026 Summer League results

A: In the 2026 Summer League matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors, the game was highly competitive with both teams displaying young talent. The Celtics managed to secure a narrow victory, driven by strong performances from their key rookies and bench players. The final score reflected a hard-fought battle showcasing potential future stars from both franchises.

Q: Boston Celtics Summer League roster 2026

A: The Boston Celtics' 2026 Summer League roster features a mix of recent draft picks, undrafted free agents, and young players looking to secure a spot on the NBA roster. The team includes promising talent such as Chris Cenac Jr. and Amari Williams, among others. This roster emphasizes player development and aims to build depth for the Celtics' future seasons.

Q: Amari Williams Summer League performance

A: Amari Williams delivered a strong performance during the 2026 NBA Summer League, demonstrating his skills as a versatile forward. He contributed effectively on both ends of the court, showing good scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence. Williams' consistent play throughout the games has made him a key figure to watch among the Celtics' young prospects.

Q: 2026 NBA Summer League game summaries

A: The 2026 NBA Summer League featured exciting matchups with each game highlighting emerging talent across all teams. Game summaries often highlight standout performances, strategic coaching, and the development of rookie and young players. The league serves as a platform for players like Chris Cenac Jr. and Amari Williams to showcase their skills and make a case for spots on regular season rosters.

Key Entities

Chris Cenac Jr.: Chris Cenac Jr. is a professional basketball player associated with various teams throughout his career. In the context of the article, he is highlighted for his involvement in the NBA and potential contributions to teams like the Boston Celtics or Toronto Raptors.

Boston Celtics: The Boston Celtics are a historic NBA franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts, known for winning a record number of NBA championships. They are referenced in connection with player movements and roster updates involving athletes like Chris Cenac Jr.

Toronto Raptors: The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian NBA team based in Toronto, known for winning the 2019 NBA Championship. They feature in the article as a competing team in the Eastern Conference and for their roster dealings that may include players mentioned in the text.

Amari Williams: Amari Williams is a basketball player who has drawn attention for his college and professional career. The article mentions him in the context of NBA team signings or trades, indicating his potential impact on team rosters like those of the Raptors or Celtics.

Amile Jefferson: Amile Jefferson is a former college basketball standout and current professional player with experience in the NBA and overseas leagues. He is noted in the article for his signings or roles within NBA team structures, adding depth to squads like the Celtics or Raptors.

External articles

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YouTube Video

Title: Chris Cenac Jr. hits the three to send it to OT
URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cohwJE9g4Qc

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