“Our goal is just to get better and improve,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “We’ll be able to look at the film, and see how to do that. The number one thing that pleased me is our energy. I thought we played hard, I thought we made a lot of mistakes but that’s to be expected.”
Isaiah Thomas led the way for the Celtics with 18 points, including nine in his first seven minutes after coming off the bench midway through the first quarter.
“I think as a team we played really well,” Thomas said. “There were times we didn’t play so well especially at the start of the third quarter. But I think we should be really happy as it’s the first time we play against another team.
“Obviously there were things missing, we’re only at the start of our preseason, but overall I think we played a pretty good game.”
Jared Sullinger added 14 points, as did Avery Bradley, who also made four from four three-pointers, while David Lee weighed in with 13 as well as seven rebounds and three assists.
Marcus Smart provided six assists as the Celtic put on an impressive performance at the start of their preseason.
“Honestly it surprised me because I know they started their camp a few days ago,” Milano coach Jasmin Repesa said. “But they played really well together.
“The way they played, moved the ball, offense, defense… I’m really surprised they can play this sort of basketball after just a few days together.”
Alessandro Gentile – who is reportedly wanted by the Houston Rockets, who hold NBA rights to the 22-year-old – top scored for Milano, with 19 points.
Charles Jenkins had 14 and Robbie Hummel added 12.
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