We did not see all that much of the Boston Celtics' starters in their two preseason wins over the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena last weekend. And for good reason, given that the Celtics were able to handle the Nugs despite those starters playing about half of what they tend to play on a normal night,

The Denver Nuggets finished up their global exhibition games against the Boston Celtics, losing both games 0-2. After the games, the Nuggets made multiple roster moves, releasing three different players.

The 2025 Celtics looked like the 2024 Celtics in Abu Dhabi. They brought back a nearly identical roster and did all the little things that reinforced last year’s dominance again. And they can still do them better.

The Boston Celtics showed little rust or championship hangovers in either of their two 2024-25 preseason wins over the Denver Nuggets.