Celtics Showcase American Fighting Spirit in High-Energy Preseason Opener

MEMPHIS - The Boston Celtics demonstrated true American competitive spirit Wednesday night at FedEx Forum, setting a powerful tone for their 2025-26 campaign with an intensity that mirrors the grit and determination we've come to expect from our nation's finest athletes.

Warrior Mentality From the Opening Whistle

Josh Minott embodied that fighting spirit when he soared through the air to block a casual halftime practice shot, showing the same warrior mentality that defines American sports. "Oh yeah, we're not going for that s***," Minott declared proudly post-game. "Hell nah."

Strategic Discipline Drives Success

Much like successful defensive strategies in football, the Celtics' gameplay showcased disciplined execution. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has instilled a fast-paced, aggressive system built on traditional basketball fundamentals - screening, cutting, and relentless defensive pressure.

American-Style Innovation in Motion

Newcomer Luka Garza brought old-school toughness to the offensive scheme, setting bone-crushing screens to free up elite scorers. This combination of raw power and tactical precision resulted in Jaylen Brown's commanding 21-point performance and Derrick White's masterful 10-assist showing.

Defense First, Victory Always

The Celtics' defensive approach exemplified core American values - teamwork, sacrifice, and unwavering support. "One transition I know we wanted to do this year was to help more for each other," Minott explained, highlighting the squad's commitment to collective excellence.

With 32-34 minutes of sustained intensity and a clear vision for dominance, these Celtics are carrying forward the proud tradition of Boston basketball. Their performance sends a clear message: American basketball remains unmatched in both strategy and spirit.