By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Posting a double-double in his first appearance with the Boston Celtics, Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic enjoyed a rally from a 22-point deficit to edge out the Miami Heat, 98-96, at TD Garden on Friday.
“I felt pretty comfortable out there. I think as the game went on, the guys also felt more comfortable, and were able to figure out certain things that they’ll want us to run. So, I think for a first game, it was good,” said the 35-year-old center in a postgame interview.
Shortly after being traded to the C’s, Vucevic introduced himself with 11 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals over 27:53 off the bench, helping his new team improve to 34-18 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
“Boston fans really know sports. They really know basketball. I could really hear people cheer. It was fun to hear my name getting cheered, and especially the ovation I got when I first got subbed in. I really appreciate that. It means a lot as a player to get the support from the fans,” he said, describing his reception.
Fellow Europeans in the starting lineup for head coach Joe Mazzulla included Portuguese Neemias Queta, who recorded two points, 11 rebounds, and one assist in 21:50, and Bosnian Luka Garza, who had two points and three rebounds in 10:09. Spanish reserve Hugo Gonzalez added two points, three rebounds, and one steal over 16:13. However, British Amari Williams did not play, and Ukrainian Max Shulga was on assignment with the G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
On the losing end, Swedish starter Pelle Larsson was scoreless over 11:37, tallying five rebounds and three assists before sitting out the second half due to an elbow injury. Playing 19:28 off the bench, Italian Simone Fontecchio recorded two points, two rebounds, and one steal, while Serbian Nikola Jovic had one block and one assist in 6:22. In contrast, Lithuanian Kasparas Jakucionis stayed on the bench, and Russian Vladislav Goldin was left out of the lineup.