Nikola Vucevic gushes about Celtics crowd in Garden debut

BOSTON — When Nikola Vucevic stood up from the Celtics bench and headed to the scorer’s table, there was a cheer from the TD Garden crowd. The C’s faithful in attendance knew this was going to be the big man’s debut Friday against the Heat. Then when he did check into the game, there was a roar of approval.

For good measure, Celtics fans showered him with applause when he checked out of the game after his first stint of the night. Vucevic, acquired from the Bulls this week in a trade, made sure to show his own appreciation for the fans after the game.

“It was fun hearing my name getting cheered, especially the ovation I got when I first got subbed in,” Vucevic said. “I really appreciate that. It means a lot as a player to get the support from the fans, and so I think they definitely helped us, even get more momentum and play even harder.”

Celtics fans didn’t really have much to cheer for other than Vucevic in the first half. The C’s were flat and missing 3-pointers, finding themselves in a 21-point halftime deficit. But the Celtics roared to life in the third quarter, outscoring the Heat 36-15 to tie the game. Then the C’s won the game Friday 98-96 in Vucevic’s debut.

There were multiple instances where the Garden crowd was deafening in the comeback victory. Vucevic said it was great feeling the fans get behind the team throughout that massive third quarter. To his credit, the big man had his fingerprints all over the game. Vucevic finished with a double-double in his Boston debut, putting up 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes.

Realistically, it’s going to take time for Vucevic to incorporate himself fully with the Celtics. But his first game was an overall positive. As expected, his offensive game is going to fit right in with Boston’s system as a floor-spacing, passing big. The defense will be a question mark, but Vucevic provides a large presence and a solid rebounder. He’ll also surely enjoy playing in Boston going forward.

“It’s very loud — one of the loudest places in the NBA,“ Vucevic said. ”I know even from playing against Celtics before, but it’s much nicer when the fans are behind you, supporting you. But it was great. Boston fans really know sports. They really know basketball.”