Celtics' Dillon Mitchell Shows His Stuff in Win Over Hornets

Dillon Mitchell looked like a second-round pick with something to prove, and for most of Sunday afternoon, the Charlotte Hornets had no answer.

The No. 40 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft put together one of the best individual performances of this year’s NBA Summer League, finishing with a game-high 24 points to lead the Boston Celtics to an 87-75 victory. Mitchell wasn’t just filling it up. He was everywhere.

The former St. John’s standout shot 10-for-20 from the floor, grabbed eight rebounds and turned defense into offense with six steals and two blocks. It was the kind of stat line that rewards anyone who enjoys a little craziness. Mitchell chased loose balls, extended possessions and made life miserable for Charlotte every chance he got.

Boston had to earn this one, though.

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The Hornets came out sharper, taking a 21-17 lead after the opening quarter and stretching the advantage to seven during the second. But the Celtics gradually settled in, closed the half on a strong run and headed into the break with a slim 42-40 lead. From there, they controlled the game, outscoring Charlotte 70-54 over the final three quarters and pushing the lead to as many as 19 in the fourth.

During the game, John Tonje scored 17 points while adding five rebounds and a steal. Hugo González filled up the box score with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Milos Uzan put together another solid outing with 13 points, six assists and four rebounds, finishing with a game-best plus-24.

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Liam McNeeley led Charlotte with 20 points and eight rebounds, while fellow first-round pick Christian Anderson added 13 points, four rebounds and two steals in the loss.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 8:08 PM.