The Boston Celtics continued their strong home form with a decisive 148-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez played a role in the win, while likewise sharing a special moment with former Real Madrid teammate Egor Demin.

Gonzalez Contributes in Celtics Victory

Gonzalez is becoming a valuable contributor off the bench for the Celtics, adding 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks in the win. The Celtics now boast ten victories in thirteen games played at TD Garden this season. He is currently averaging 3.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.6 recoveries in 15.1 minutes per game, and with him on the court, the Celtics have a +5 net rating.

Reunion of Former Real Madrid Teammates

The game held added significance for Gonzalez and Demin, who previously played together and lived together as roommates at Real Madrid. Following the game, the two rookies exchanged jerseys.

Demin’s Perspective on Gonzalez

“I met him at the first training session just when I arrived at the club. I didn’t grasp English or Spanish (a little more English, but he spoke it badly), and, with the type of behavior that Spaniards have, Hugo helped me by translating my words so that the coach, who only spoke Spanish, understood me, encouraged me to learn Spanish quickly. It helped me a lot in the first moments.”

Egor Demin

NBA Impact for Both Players

Both players are making an impact in their first NBA season. Demin is averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from the field. He has also equaled Rudy Fernández’s record of hitting a three-pointer in at least 33 consecutive games.

The Celtics will next face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.