BOSTON -- Rapid reaction after the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 98-78 in their exhibition opener on Monday night at TD Garden:
• Nitty gritty: Making his Boston debut against the team that drafted him, Evan Turner registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds over 31 minutes. Turner started in place of Jeff Green (calf), but also spent time handling the ball while showcasing his versatility (he added six assists and finished a team-best plus-19). Brandon Bass added 15 points and nine rebounds over 19 minutes off the bench, while Kelly Olynyk finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in a starting role. The Celtics shot just 34.1 percent from the floor and trailed by as much as 10 in the early going before rallying. Tony Wroten scored a team-high 19 points for the 76ers, while fellow backcourt starter Hollis Thompson added 15.
• Tough debut for Smart: Marcus Smart, the sixth pick in June's draft, drew the start at point guard but struggled. Smart missed all eight shots he took (including five 3-pointers), while finishing with 2 points, 6 assists, 3 steals and 3 rebounds over 27:20. He did play a rugged brand of defense and you can see the potential there. Boston's other rookie, James Young, the 17th pick, finished with 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting, but is proving to be an early fan favorite with his sweet shooting stroke.
• Loose balls: Playing his first non-summer league NBA game, Nerlens Noel struggled. The Everett, Massachusetts native registered four points and six rebounds, but missed seven of nine shots, committed five fouls and got tagged with a technical. ... Marcus Thornton provided a nice spark with 14 points off the bench for Boston (hitting four 3-pointers). ... The 76ers turned the ball over 28 times, while Boston took better care in the second half and finished with 18 giveaways.
• What it means: The Celtics start the preseason off on the right foot. There's still plenty to work on and the team will be back on the practice floor Tuesday. Boston plays the New York Knicks on Wednesday night in Hartford.