Aaron Scott stole the show in Showcase win over Spurs

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Maine Celtics have talked a lot about playing to their identity this season. When their backs were against the wall, trailing by 16 to the Austin Spurs, Maine turned to their identity and found a way to win.

"Offense comes and goes, but defense is something you can do on the daily. That was a team win," said Head Coach Phil Pressey.

On Sunday, in the final game of the NBA G League Winter Showcase Tournament, Maine rallied in the second half to top the Austin Spurs 123-114, and improve to 1-1 in the Regular Season. It was the first comeback victory of the season for the Celtics, who finished Tip-Off Tournament play with a 9-5 record.

"Just keep going," explained Max Shulga. "It won't happen in one possession and keep chipping at the league possession by possession."

Shulga said that was the message for the Maine Celtics during each timeout of the second half. Shulga scored a career-high 27 points, Ron Harper Jr. provided 29 points for the second straight game, but if you ask the team who the Player of the Game was, they'll quickly tell you Sunday was all about Aaron Scott.

"Shoutout to Aaron Scott. He brought a different energy to the game for us and forced a lot of turnovers in a short amount of time and that really changed the game for us and took them out of what they wanted to do," Harper explained. "Shoutout to him and all of our defensive playmakers for getting it done. Ultimately, that gave us that fuel to get back into it."

After spending the preseason with the Boston Celtics, Scott signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Maine. The rookie from St. Johns has quickly established himself as a "3-and-D" player who is willing to do all the little things to help the Celtics earn a win. On Sunday, Scott played 15 minutes, scoring just two points on 1-5 shooting. But if you scan to the right a little further on the box score you'll see Scott snagged four steals on the Spurs. All four came at the second half to help refocus the Celtics on their defensive identity and mount a comeback.

"Big time. Aaron Scott had three or four big time steals," Shulga said. "Defensive playmaking was huge for us and he gave us a big push int he second half."

Coach Pressey added, "Aaron Scott was phenomenal. He was 1-5 from the field, but had four steals and he jump started that second half so hats off to him, he was the playmaker of the game."

Fans often think of a playmaker as someone who can score at will and also get his teammates involved on offense. For the Celtics, being a playmaker is all about wreaking havoc on defense, and creating opportunities to turn defense into offense. Maine split two games against two of the top teams in the NBA G League in Salt Lake City and Austin, who entered the weekend with a combined record of 24-4. While Maine lost to the eventual Showcase Tournament Champion Salt Lake City Stars, the win over the Spurs helps the Celtics feel good about where they stand at the beginning of the Regular Season.

"Good Showcase. It's always good to leave here with a win and leave here with something. We will refocus, watch the film, and come back better," Harper said.

I want to win every game and win out, but winning going into the break is always a good thing," Pressey said. "Guys will have a Merry Christmas and I'll see them when I get back."

The road doesn't get any easier for the Celtics, who travel north to take on Raptors 905 on December 27 and 28. Maine returns home to the Portland Expo on December 31 against Noblesville. Tickets are available here.