Maine Celtics Make Impression In Abu Dhabi

While it came as no surprise to Maine Celtics fans, some familiar faces showed up in a big way in the UAE.

Last week, the Boston Celtics made a trip halfway around the world to Abu Dhabi to open their preseason with a pair of games against the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024. The world showcase continues to be an avenue for the NBA to share their league and the game of basketball with the world.

Boston came away with a pair of wins over the Nuggets - a narrow 107-103 victory on Oct. 4 and a familiar 130-104 blowout on Oct. 6. Not surprisingly, the NBA Champions emptied the bench for both games, giving all players some NBA preseason run. For Two-Way Players JD Davison and Drew Peterson, that meant a great opportunity to show off their skills - that is exactly what the two Maine veterans did.

JD Davison

About to enter his third season as a Two-Way with Boston and Maine, Davison checked into the first game at the start of the 4th quarter, with the game tied at 79. Davison proceeded to then show off his complete repertoire - not long after stealing the ball in the opening possession, Davison drained a three to put Boston up three. Davison continued to do what he does best, distribute the ball. After a slick alley-oop lob on one end, the 22-year-old showed off his defensive prowess with a monster block on the other end. Davison then drained four free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. Davison finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block in 12 minutes of play.

Davison followed that up with a 5 point-3 assist performance on Oct. 6, playing all 12 minutes of the 4th quarter once again.

Drew Peterson

Reports dating back to last season's Finals run were that Peterson was lighting it up in Boston, and he got a chance to thrive in Abu Dhabi. Davison's partner in crime, Peterson also excelled down the stretch on Oct. 4, scoring 10 points in 12 minutes. Peterson shot 4-9 from the floor, including 2-5 from three-point range. He added 5 more points on 2-2 shooting on Oct. 6, finishing the two-game set shooting 50% from downtown.

It was a great start for the Boston Celtics and the Maine Celtics as the NBA Preseason got underway overseas, and a great sign for fan in Maine - the 2024-25 NBA G League season is right around the corner.