Maine Celtics vs Westchester Knicks post game thread; 119-111

The season opener for the Maine Celtics was an exciting game as the team explored finding its footing and started to get into the flow into the 3rd quarter. There are only two players from last season, so this is essentially a whole new team.

Davison, the youngest player on the team and in his first season as a professional, shows promise and will likely mature into leading the team as the season progresses.

Kabengele showed out with 24 points, 15 rebounds, two blocked shots, and a couple of threes. Kabengele was seemingly gun shy in the first quarter, getting the ball under the basket with space and quickly passing it off without even giving the basket a look. In the second half, he started using his strength to make things happen in the paint. If he can use his strength more often and know when to attack, he’ll do great. He also had a game-high six turnovers. He needs some polishing, but I think it’ll happen.

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>Seven other Celtics saw action Friday night and six of them joined Kabengele and Davison in double-figure points. Denzel Valentine, one of two holdovers from last season’s club, hit five treys and finished with 17 points. Marial Shayok hit three 3-pointers and had 15. Kamar Baldwin (12 points, five assists), Luka Samanic (11 points, 11 rebounds), Scottie Lindsey (11 points) and Kendall Smith (10 points) all contributed.

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It was great to see the team filled out with some size. Although I miss Chris Clemons on the court, having strong forwards/centers like Kabengele, Shayok, and Samanic was needed and makes for distributed scoring.

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\- [Maine Celtics Cruise in Season Opener](https://www.pressherald.com/2022/11/04/maine-celtics-cruise-in-season-opener/)

\- [Maine Celtics vs. Westchester Knicks – Game Highlights](https://sports.yahoo.com/maine-celtics-vs-westchester-knicks-013045868.html)

\- [Maine Celtics vs. Westchester Knicks – Condensed Game](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOYPUKkgM8Y)

by RatherNerdy