The Boston Celtics faced off against the New York Knicks on October 24, 2025, resulting in a 105-95 defeat at Madison Square Garden. However, amid the loss, a significant highlight emerged: the impressive NBA debut of 19-year-old Hugo González. Selected as the 28th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, González is a promising talent from Real Madrid.
Hugo González’s NBA Debut
González played 23 minutes in the game, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds. He also recorded one assist and two steals, shooting three of six from the field. However, he missed both of his three-point attempts. His performance garnered praise from teammates, rivals, and analysts alike.
Praise from Analysts and Teammates
Stan Van Gundy, a former NBA coach and current analyst, expressed his excitement for González’s potential. “I’m falling in love with Hugo González,” he stated, noting the player’s defensive tenacity. “He will be a strong defensive asset for the Celtics. This was an extraordinary draft pick.”
Jaylen Brown, the Celtics’ star player, highlighted González’s energy and competitive spirit, describing him as the kind of player the team needs. Coach Joe Mazzulla echoed these sentiments, acknowledging González’s understanding of his role and his contributions on both ends of the court.
Defensive Impact and Performance Highlights
Despite the loss, González played a crucial role in the second half. The Celtics managed to force 16 turnovers from the Knicks and limited them to a field goal percentage of just 36%. The team outperformed their opponents by 10 points during one stretch.
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson (Knicks) | 31 | 5 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) | 26 | 13 |
| Jaylen Brown (Celtics) | 23 | N/A |
| Sam Hauser (Celtics) | 18 | N/A |
| Derrick White (Celtics) | 15 | N/A |
Personal Background and Transition
González’s journey to the NBA has been filled with significant milestones. He won the Liga Endesa with Real Madrid on June 26, 2025, and was drafted by the Celtics that same evening. To support his transition to the United States, his family joined him in Massachusetts, including his mother Montse, a former professional basketball player, and his younger brother, Darío.
Though Hugo reflected on the disappointment of the loss, he remained optimistic about his contributions. “It was a good feeling, but it’s hard to remember the good when you could have won,” he said. His commitment to improving and making an impact on the court is clear, as he aims to establish himself in the NBA.
As the Celtics look forward to the season, the excitement surrounding Hugo González’s debut sets a promising tone for the team’s future.
