Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, Boston’s two best players not named Jayson Tatum, were the headline-grabbing artists of the night. White led the way with 33 points and nine 3-pointers, while Brown scored 30 and passed Tommy Heinsohn on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list.
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However, the night also belonged to 19-year-old rookie Hugo Gonzalez, as Hugo did not back down from the pressure of the bright lights that come with playing in Miami. In fact, he enjoyed it.
As the game became more physical, aggressive, and ultimately a classic litmus test that “separates the men from the boys,” González proved he belongs, possession after tenacious possession.
When you play against the Heat, your toughness (or lack thereof) is revealed for all the world to see, which is why Gonzalez shined on Friday night. The child does not back down from anyone, physically, mentally or emotionally. Even when he makes mistakes, Hugo simply redoubles his efforts and returns to battle.
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Now it’s no wonder The Ringer’s Bill Simmons called this a “major Hugo game” in a post on X on Friday.
Gonzalez’s transition to the NBA and his enormous ceiling have been an encouraging development for the Celtics, especially when combined with the explosive emergence of Jordan Walsh.
Walsh and González have a total of 40 years. Think about how special Boston’s wing game will be once Tatum returns to the fold. You have Jaylen and Jayson at their best, with Walsh and Gonzalez supporting them as high-energy, tough bench wings who absolutely wear down opponents with effort, versatility, athleticism, length, and overall insanity.
The smart drafting of Brad Stevens has taken care of the Celtics’ wing situation for the foreseeable future. Boston should do everything in its power to retain Gonzalez, as there will be plenty of NBA general managers calling Brad over the Spaniard in the months and years to come.
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González is a perfect fit for Celtics basketball. He thrives in the manic TD Garden crowd, he thrives in Joe Mazzulla’s psychopathic culture, and he thrives in the physical, high-energy style of play the Celtics are leaning toward under Mazzulla.
Hugo is a Celtic worthy, and let’s hope he remains that way for most, if not all, of his career.
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