Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets: Live Score and Analysis for Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics held on to a 101-97 win over the Brooklyn Nets to finish their preseason with a 2-6 record. Vitor Faverani, the 25-year-old rookie from Brazil, had a monster game scoring 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds and adding six blocked shots.

Faverani made his presence felt early, blocking four shots in the first quarter alone. He reportedly wasn’t going to play in this game because he was feeling “stiff,” according to the Celtics official Twitter feed (Jared Sullinger missed the game due to illness).

He certainly didn’t look stiff at all in this one. He played 24 minutes and set the tone from the outset. Don’t be surprised if he earns the starting center position on opening night based on this performance.

Gerald Wallace, who recently called out his teammates for selfish play and a lack of effort, had a solid game in his own right. He had 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go with five rebounds, five assists and a disappointing five turnovers.

Brandon Bass contributed 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench, and Avery Bradley added 16 points of his own without hitting a three-pointer.

Jeff Green, who had a quiet night offensively, left the game in the fourth quarter with a bruised left forearm and didn’t return.

The Nets, meanwhile, were playing without Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Brook Lopez and Andrei Kirilenko. This would have been a hard pill for the Celtics to swallow if they lost to such a short-handed team.

The Cs entered the night shooting just 41.8 percent from the field during preseason. They finished this game at 45.3 percent.

Boston still has a long way to go if they’re going to be competitive this season, especially with Rajon Rondo sidelined. However, Phil Pressey showed flashes against the Nets and could be a viable substitute until Rondo is healthy.