Cenac Jr.'s 3-pointer forces OT as Celtics prevail

Updated: Jul 11, 2026, 01:38 am

Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. hit a 3-pointer as time expired in regulation to force overtime, and the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 83-80 in an NBA summer league opener at the Pavilion in Las Vegas on Friday.

Amari Williams led the way for Boston with 23 points on 7-of-9 shooting and 13 rebounds. John Tonje added 20 points, including five 3-pointers and a key dunk in overtime. Hugo Gonzalez nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Celtics. Second-round pick Dillon Mitchell (No. 40) managed four points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Cenac, the No. 27 pick in the 2026 draft, finished his impressive debut with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds to go with four blocks. His biggest contribution though was the corner 3-pointer he converted that tied the score at 77 and forced overtime.

For the Raptors, No. 19 pick Allen Graves shined in his first summer league action with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Seth Lundy, in his return after missing two seasons with an ankle injury, added 16 points. Rookie Nate Bittle, who was signed as an undrafted free agent, contributed eight points, 10 rebounds and a game-high six blocks. Second-round pick Jaden Bradley (No. 50) added three points, five rebounds and two assists.

The game was a defensive struggle. Both teams shot below 35% overall. Toronto led by as much as 12 points before Boston rallied to take its first lead late in the third quarter.

The teams traded baskets in the extra session. With 32 seconds remaining in overtime, Gonzalez sank two free throws to give the Celtics an 81-80 lead. On the ensuing Raptors possession, Tonje came up with a steal and finished with a dunk to cap the scoring.

Up next: The Raptors will face the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Celtics will play the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Both games will be at the Pavilion.

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