{
  "id": 15095149,
  "title": "Boston Celtics deep rotation outlasts 76ers starters to win 125-120 in preseason OT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/boston-celtics-deep-rotation-outlasts-76ers-starters-to-win-125-120",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T02:00:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/boston-celtics-deep-rotation-outlasts-020053349.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Boston Celtics took on the Philadelphia 76ers in a preseason game at the latter's home in Pennsylvania, marking the second and final meeting of the 2026-27 NBA season. The Celtics opted to play their starters sparingly, while the 76ers relied on their deep rotation, a tactic that paid dividends in this closely contested match. Instead of a lopsided win, the game required overtime, culminating in a 125-120 victory for Boston, which was overseen by assistant coach Sam Cassell. This win extended the Celtics' preseason record to an impressive 4-0. The contest remained competitive throughout, with the Sixers gaining a slight lead in the final quarter before the Celtics mounted a late comeback to tie the game in regulation. Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. had a strong showing in the extra period, tallying 12 points, 8 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block, before fouling out. Hugo González led the Celtics with 21 points, while Ron Harper Jr. also made an impact in his preseason debut with 16 points. Milos Uzan contributed 14 points, and Luka Garza had a notable performance off the bench, scoring 13 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. The Celtics concluded their preseason with this crucial road victory, setting the stage for their opening game of the 2026-27 NBA regular season against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, October 20th.",
  "summary": "Unlike the first preseason meeting between Boston and Philly, the game was not a blowout, instead requiring overtime to settle the score.",
  "key_points": [
    "Boston Celtics defeated Philadelphia 76ers 125-120 in overtime",
    "Celtics used deep rotation strategy, starters played sparingly",
    "Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. led in extra period with 12 points"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Relying on bench depth rather than primary starters allows the Celtics to maintain momentum and enter the regular season with an undefeated preseason record.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}