Boston grabbed an opening night victory at home against Philadelphia.

Once the game got going, Boston didn’t take long to get out running. With Derrick White in the starting lineup and Jayson Tatum playing the power forward position, the Celtics sacrificed size for speed. After logging six assists and five turnovers in the first period, the return on investment was unclear.

As the night progressed, however, glimpses of what this new offensive style may become took shape. Jayson Tatum as a sort of point-forward allowed for some really nice looks. Tatum finished the game with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Marcus Smart continued to impress as a playmaker with 14 points and seven assists of his own. Jaylen Brown turned in a cool 35 points as well.

During a key stretch in the third, Boston went with an extra small lineup of Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, White, Brown, and Tatum. The Celtics won the frame 35-25. The small-ball offense was positively humming.

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— Cameron 🎃 Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) October 19, 2022

Boston’s (relatively) pedestrian performance from three neutered what might have been a true offensive explosion — the Celtics shot just 12-35 from deep. In total, though, the Celts notched 24 assists on 46 made baskets and seemed especially in control of the tempo during the second half

Collectively Boston and Philly committed 48 fouls on the night, hampering the pace just a bit. Still, this Boston team has a chance to really get out and spring on offense this season if game one is any proof positive.