What happened: JT put up 11 points in the first quarter, the highest total on the board to that point. The Boston Celtics faced the Charlotte Hornets in 2026-27 preseason play. The game remained in progress after the opening period.

Why it matters: Early preseason scoring provides a first measure of form entering the 2026-27 season. A first-quarter high establishes the early offensive pace before rotations widen.

What to watch: Remaining quarters will show whether the early scoring pace holds and how the rotation handles the rest of the preseason date.