The Celtics achieved three things they rarely did last season before the tip-off occurred on Friday. They suited up their full lineup with the returns of Al Horford and Josh Richardson from COVID-19 and a migraine. A full crowd showered Paul Pierce in the loudest applause of the young season during a pregame NBA 75th anniversary ceremony. The presence of Satch Sanders and Pierce, among other Celtics greats, fell among the missing regular events at TD Garden last year.
Boston’s player’s greeted the mix of champions and hall-of-famers at half court pregame, then delivered a home opener effort far below that standard.