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Gonzalez Double-Double Powers Celtics Past Sacramento 82-76

7/16/2026

Summary

Gonzalez Double-Double

Hugo Gonzalez had a double-double (24 points, 10 rebounds) as the Celtics beat Sacramento 82-76 in Las Vegas.
He added five assists, a steal and shot 8-18 from the field and 3-9 from three.
Coach Amile Jefferson said Gonzalez now serves as the primary ball-handler on most offensive trips.
Observers warn his 31.8% FG, 25.9% 3P and hard-shot profile demand defensive consistency and open-shot reliability for the regular season.

Summary

Celtics Stifle

The Celtics held Sacramento to four points in the first quarter, a record.
Boston finished Summer League 3-1 with a +9 point differential, leaving its semifinal berth in doubt.
Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. posted a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double and two blocks.
Alex Karaban hit a 3-pointer with 53 seconds left to cut the lead to 77-75.
John Tonje made the free throw after a Kings technical foul, securing Boston’s win.

Summary

Celtics Eliminated

The Celtics were eliminated from the Summer League knockout round despite a 3-1 record and must rely on point differential as the tiebreaker.
Boston’s +9 differential trails San Antonio’s +16 and Phoenix’s +15, both also 3-1, as the Celtics adopt a committee approach that gives larger roles to young players like Hugo Gonzalez.
Head coach Brad Stevens said they are betting heavily on 20-year-old Hugo Gonzalez, who enters 2026-27 with 74 regular-season and four playoff games.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s first Las Vegas Summer League debuted in 2004 after the Boston-based Shaw’s/Reebok league folded because the Democratic National Convention occupied hotel space. Warren LeGarie gathered eight NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, generating about $2 million in ticket sales. The success spurred growth, leading to the 23-team Las Vegas event in 2014.

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Gonzalez Double-Double

Hugo Gonzalez had a double-double (24 points, 10 rebounds) as the Celtics beat Sacramento 82-76 in Las Vegas.
He added five assists, a steal and shot 8-18 from the field and 3-9 from three.
Coach Amile Jefferson said Gonzalez now serves as the primary ball-handler on most offensive trips.
Observers warn his 31.8% FG, 25.9% 3P and hard-shot profile demand defensive consistency and open-shot reliability for the regular season.

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