Celtics Center Headlines: Boston beats 76ers by 50 in TD Garden return

On Saturday night, the Celtics returned to TD Garden for the first time since defeating the Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to claim Banner 18.

With the 76ers playing for the second night in a row, most of their veterans had the night off. However, this also gave former Celtic and fan favorite Guerschon Yabusele the chance to start in his return to TD Garden.

For more on Yabusele and what and who stood out in Saturday's matchup, check out an in-depth look at Boston's 139-89 win.

1. The Celtics picked up points at will in Saturday's friendly. They accomplished this by maintaining a fast pace, maintaining court spacing well, and using effective ball movement, screens, and well-timed cuts to score points at the basket.

By the 7:30 mark of the first frame, Boston had scored 10 points in the paint. At the end of the quarter they built a 24-12 lead in this category, helping the hosts to a 40-18 lead in the second quarter. At halftime, their approach resulted in a 36-26 lead in the paint, a key part of their 71-48 lead at the break.

Before the bench remained empty for the final 12 minutes, Boston amassed a 48-32 point lead.

2. Luke Kornet shined in Saturday's preseason rivalry. The seven-year veteran started again for Al Horford. It's a possibility for the regular season that Joe Mazzulla recently discussed, specifically whether it could move forward with Horford in the lineup.

On Saturday, Kornet was often the beneficiary of the Celtics' offensive approach outlined in the top pick. Boston repeatedly saw him roll to the rim or get open at the basket.

The 1.80 meter tall center went into halftime with a game-high 15 points. Kornet's five offensive rebounds were also the most in the matchup. He grabbed a total of seven boards in the first 24 minutes.

Kornet's night ended in the third quarter. He finished the game with 15 points on 7/10 shooting, reflecting the origins of his shooting, and grabbed eight rebounds.

3. In Guerschon Yabusele's return to TD Garden, he followed up an airball from beyond the arc by sinking back-to-back three-pointers for six of his eight points.

Nick Nurse admitted before the game that the center position he started at on Saturday wasn't the best position for him. However, Yabusele was eager to maximize his second chance at the highest level of basketball and show the changes in his game since his departure. His three-point shooting and defensive versatility highlighted the assets he could add to the Sixers' rotation.

4. Xavier Tillman Sr. let threes fly without hesitation and knocked them down repeatedly on Saturday.

The four-year veteran is an integral part of Boston's big man rotation as Kristaps Porzingis recovers from surgery this summer after suffering a torn retina and dislocating his retina during Boston's 105-98 win in Game 2 of the NBA Finals Tibial tendon had pulled. Porzingis is aiming to return in December.

After joining the Celtics at the trade deadline last season, Tillman attempted 29 three-pointers. His corner triple in Game 3 of the Finals, which helped Boston take a commanding 3-0 series lead over Dallas, was his only playoff attempt from beyond the arc.

Expect Tillman to increase his value this coming season as he continues to put in the work he's shown to become even more dangerous from long range, as he did with each of his three three-pointers he made on Saturday shot, did. He is now 6/8 from behind the arc this preseason.

Next: The Celtics return to TD Garden to host the Raptors on Sunday. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. ET.