The Celtics proceed to play like a group that different groups needs to be frightened about seeing within the postseason, and a significant purpose behind their prolonged surge has been Boston’s means to play so properly on the street.
The Celtics earned their third consecutive 20-point street victory Sunday night time, a 124-104 verdict, towards the Denver Nuggets in a sport which Boston led by 25 factors on the half. The Nuggets at present are the No. 7 seed within the Western Convention playoff image with NBA MVP candidate Nikola Jokic restricted to 23 factors on 23 pictures. The rout is a little more noteworthy on condition that Boston began its four-game Western Convention street journey with a 22-point win over the Golden State Warriors earlier than smacking the Sacramento Kings by 29 factors on Friday. It’s continued a theme as Boston now’s 10-1 in its final 11 street video games for the reason that begin of February.
What’s led to that success?
“I do assume we form of embrace enjoying towards the house crowds,” Celtics head coach Ime Udoka mentioned after Sunday’s win. “We do have plenty of followers on the street, as properly, however our factor is be who we’re, no matter dwelling or on the street we need to come out and set a tone. I feel getting off to those actually good begins defensively, and groups know what we’re about now, the numbers present that and our factor is to return out and form of show that. And in order that’s a message every night time towards completely different opponents.”
Boston continues to have the finest defensive score within the league. Protection travels.
“One night time you’re going towards (Steph) Curry and (Klay) Thompson, Trae Younger and (Ja) Morant and all these completely different matchups, however we need to be who we’re and have the ability to adapt to all people and play a sure means,” Udoka mentioned. “And so the offense is sharing the ball. Nice actions, 29 assists tonight, 33 the opposite night time in order that ball is popping and guys are making pictures. However defensively, setting that tone from the beginning is the true message night time in and night time out.”
After all, it has helped that the Celtics (and their followers) have traveled so properly throughout a lot of the stretch. Jayson Tatum is receiving chants of “MVP!” in opponent’s buildings together with “Let’s go Celtics” cheers. Udoka believes that may be a product of the group enjoying good basketball, and followers eager to root on a group that’s enjoying good basketball.
