Dillon Mitchell did more than fill a box score in Boston’s 87-75 win over Charlotte. He also gave the Celtics a glimpse of the kind of offensive confidence they want to keep pushing him toward.
The 6-foot-8 rookie was left open on the perimeter by 7-foot-1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner, and he made the Hornets pay by hitting 2 of 5 shots from beyond the arc. That total already topped the 3-pointers he made across his entire senior season, a sign that Boston wants him to keep taking those looks.
Boston Wants Him Shooting
Mitchell said Celtics coaches kept encouraging him to let it fly. “Just shoot the ball,” they told him, and he responded by playing with more confidence while trusting that the team would chase offensive rebounds.
Amile Jefferson said Mitchell “was so alive today” and added that he should shoot open 3s whenever they come. The coach pointed to Mitchell’s energy, his repeated crashes to the rim, and several near tip dunks as signs that his best games will come when he stays aggressive.
| Mitchell vs. Hornets | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points | 24 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Steals | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| 3-pointers | 2 of 5 |
His scoring came from more than just the perimeter. Mitchell also finished two fast-break baskets after his own steals and added a pair of putbacks while helping drive Boston’s defensive pressure.
The Celtics forced 25 turnovers, collected 11 steals and blocked 8 shots as a team. John Tonje chipped in 17 points, and Boston moved to 2-0 before facing the Hawks on Monday at 6 p.m.
More Than One Green Light
Derrick White drew attention of his own by joining the Celtics coaches on the bench in full coaching uniform after sitting courtside in the opener. Jefferson said it meant a lot for the young players to see White share knowledge and encouragement from the bench, calling it a reflection of Celtics culture.
Boston also got a rougher look at some of its other young pieces. Amari Williams and Chris Cenac Jr., who had stood out against Toronto, both had quieter games against Charlotte, while Hugo González battled through another uneven shooting night but still flashed his defensive value and playmaking.
González was assigned to Charlotte’s best player for long stretches, and Jefferson said the Celtics wanted him to use his tools to create deflections and steals. Former UConn star Liam McNeeley made life difficult early with his physicality, drawing five fouls in the first quarter before Boston tightened its defense on him.
Grant Williams, now with Charlotte, was also around the action in a different role, working from the baseline with a camera and even taking pictures during a second-quarter timeout. Kyle Mangas did not play because of an illness.
