BOSTON -- Prior to Wednesday’s preseason finale against the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens described his team’s play thus far as a healthy dose of both good and bad.
Rookie Marcus Smart’s all-around performance in the game that followed would fall in the former category.
Smart saved his preseason best for last, pacing the Celtics with 16 points and shooting 62.5 percent in the team’s 100-86 win over the Nets. Smart added four assists and two steals in 15:38 played, all in the first half.
While Smart’s defense has mostly proved NBA-ready this preseason, his offensive performances have been lacking. Entering Wednesday having hit just 19 of his 52 shots (36.5 percent) -- 44 of them coming from behind the arc -- Smart hit two of his five 3-point tries and all three of his 2-point field goals.
He added a 4-for-4 performance at the free throw line for his preseason high in points despite the limited minutes. Jared Sullinger was the only Celtics starter to appear in the second half, while Nets coach Lionel Hollins opted to keep the majority of his projected opening night starters off the court for the entire game.
Nitty gritty: Following a 19-rebound performance on Sunday against the Nets, Sullinger pulled in 17 boards Wednesday night. He also scored 15 points. Still managing his knee following surgery last season, Gerald Wallace put together a strong game, including two back-to-back fast-break scores in the second quarter. He posted 12 points off the bench. Mason Plumlee (15 points, 11 rebounds) and Mirza Teletovic (15 points, 3-for-6 from three) led the Nets.
Feeling Young again: Celtics rookie James Young returned to action for the first time since straining his hamstring while warming up Oct. 6. Young checked in midway through the second quarter, nailing a 3-pointer on his first shot attempt. He finished with five points and four rebounds in 25 minutes of play.
Loose balls: After finishing the first quarter tied at 25, the Celtics ran away with a 33-19 advantage in the second quarter. Their largest lead of the night was 23 points. ... Every player present for the Celtics took the court, including Tim Frazier, who was told by Stevens Tuesday that he was going to be waived. ... The Celtics finish their preseason having allowed more than 100 points to an opponent in only one of their eight games (a 116-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors Oct. 10).
What it means: Their preseason schedule over, the Celtics (5-3) will get ready to face the Nets again next Wednesday at the Garden for each team’s season opener. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.