Celtics ball boy Octavio Cruz earns first civilian Tommy Point with hustle off court
It is an extraordinary occasion to win a Tommy Point from the NBC Sports Boston broadcast crew, but a non-player getting one happened for the first time in Wednesday night’s blowout of the Brooklyn Nets.
Ball boy Octavio Cruz went to dry the floor after play shifted to the other end of the court only to have the action swing back to his side of the hardwood in a blink, forcing Cruz to scramble off of the court with a gusto that caught the eye of everyone watching the game, particularly the Celtics bench and broadcast crew.
“Honestly, he should sign up for the NFL combine,” said Boston’s Grant Williams via NBC Sports Boston, impressed with Ocho’s (Cruz’ nickname) speed.
“The way he moves, the way his body moves. Really just the explosiveness that he plays with, his pursuit speed,” he added. “I’ve never seen (a) change of direction like that.”
We took a look at the top dunkers in Boston Celtics history. Who made the cut? https://t.co/24AzmpTfTQ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 2, 2023
“I’ve played basketball with him,” said NBC Sports broadcaster and former Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine as he bestowed a Tommy Point on Cruz — the first civilian so honored.
“Big-time hooper. I’m not kidding. I prefer to play with him. I would pick him over a lot of NBA players. He can really pass it. The NBA guys, not so much.”
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