Celtics players and coaches praise rookie Hugo Gonzalez for defensive efforts

"Hugo González was drafted in the first round the summer, after playing three seasons with Real Madrid in Spain. González has yet to make his mark on the season, as he's averaged just 11.7 minutes per game this year. Against the Knicks, however, he played 22 minutes and was a key piece in helping the Celtics improve to 12-9. González only put up four points, but he garnered praise from his coaches and teammates for his defense."

""He's got good defensive instincts, which most younger players don't have," head coach Joe Mazzulla said about González post-game. "I think that just comes from being well-coached and playing in a league where you have to play team defense." González's combination of height (6'6″) and athleticism allows him to potentially guard any position on the court. This was on display Tuesday as he handled both extremes, going from guarding center Karl-Anthony Towns to guard Jalen Brunson."

Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 42 points as the Celtics beat the Knicks 123-117. Rookie Hugo González, a first-round pick after three seasons with Real Madrid, played 22 minutes after averaging 11.7 minutes and helped the Celtics improve to 12-9. González scored four points but received praise for his defense from head coach Joe Mazzulla and teammates. Mazzulla credited González's defensive instincts to good coaching and team defense. González's 6'6″ frame and athleticism allowed him to guard multiple positions, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, with teammates noting his work ethic and physicality.

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