Celtics beat Sixers; Noel scores 4 points in preseason debut

BOSTON - Nerlens Noel took another step toward what the 76ers hope is a successful NBA career. This was arguably the most anticipated one to date for the 20-year-old from the Boston area. And it was one the 6-foot-11, 217-pound post player probably wishes he could do over.

"I don't think I played well at all," said Noel, who scored four points Monday in a 98-78 preseason loss to Boston at TD Garden.

Noel's hometown of Everett, Mass., is less than four miles from the arena. He grew up a diehard Celtics fan.

"I think it was a combination of things," Noel said. "I really didn't have the right mind-set coming out. I wasn't quick with everything I thought I could do.

"You know it's been a process of just trying to slow down, think things through, and not make such quick moves."

Noel, who sat out last season while he recovered from knee surgery, missed his first six shots and finished 2 for 9. He grabbed six rebounds to go with an assist and four turnovers. Noel also picked up a technical foul and blocked a shot before he fouled out with 4 minutes, 28 seconds left.

"I thought defensively he was pretty good," coach Brett Brown said. "Offensively, he struggled. The speed of the game in his mind got the better of him. But I saw good things from him.

"I think this whole year is going to be one where we just keep trying to polish him up and get him NBA-ready."

Tony Wroten led all scorers with 19 points, but Hollis Thompson was the star of the game in a losing effort. The shooting guard made all five of his shots - including three three-pointers - to finish with 15 points.

Noel had tickets at the game for 10 people, including his father, Yohel; and sister, Nashdah, 15. The Haitian-American also received a nice ovation from the crowd during introductions.

It was also a homecoming for Brown, sidelined point guard Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) and small forward Chris Johnson.

Brown played at Boston University and was born in Maine. Carter-Williams is a native of nearby Hamilton, Mass. Johnson was waived by the Celtics on Sept. 26. The Sixers claimed him off waivers two days later.

The game also had a special meaning for Celtics guard Evan Turner (15 points).

The Sixers traded him and Lavoy Allen to the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 20. The second overall pick in the 2010 draft signed with the Celtics this summer.

"At the end of the day, we were able to do some pretty cool things," Turner said of his time with the Sixers. "Even though sometimes it might be wiped under a rug, I never forget about it."

But he'll probably have a hard time keeping up with the Sixers roster.

"Well, they've got 12 new guys every time I see them," Turner told the Boston media.

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