The Boston Celtics rallied from an 18-point deficit on Nov. 10 against the Charlotte Hornets to win 90-87. Kyrie Irving left the game in the first quarter, suffering a facial fracture after being accidentally hit in the face by teammate Aron Baynes. In his absence, Shane Larkin had 16 points and Terry Rozier poured in 15 points off the bench. Jaylen Brown stepped up as well contributing 13 rebounds. Kemba Walker had 20 points for the Hornets.
On Sunday, the Toronto Raptors came into Boston to take on a Celtics squad that was without Irving. The Celtics pulled out a thrilling 95-94 victory. Al Horford lead the way for Boston with 21 points. Demar Derozan lead all scorers with 24 points, but could not net the game-winning jumper with two seconds on the clock as the Celtics escaped.
The Celtics traveled to Brooklyn for a matchup with the Nets on Tuesday and left with a 109-102 win that extends their win streak to 13 games. Irving returned to action scoring 25 points while wearing a mask to protect his injured face. Marcus Morris contributed 21 points including 11 in the fourth quarter of the win. Joe Harris lead the way for the Nets with 19 points.
Al Horford Incredibly Efficient Since Returning
In two games since returning from a concussion, Horford has only missed four shots, including one missed free throw. Needless to say, he has been absurdly efficient since coming back. Against the Raptors, Horford poured in 21 points while making eight of his nine shots from the field. He also had four assists and two steals in the win. In Brooklyn, he provided 17 points while making eight of his ten shots from the field while adding 11 rebounds to his stat sheet.
Kyrie Irving Playing with Mask
Kyrie Irving returned to action against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday wearing a clear protective facemask. Irving left the game against the Hornets on Nov. 10 in the first quarter after suffering a facial fracture, and he missed the game against the Toronto Raptors.
“It’s almost like having somewhat foggy blinders on,” Irving explained reporters after the game. “When I take off the mask, I can see everything, but when I have the mask on, I’m really dialed into what’s in front of me. My peripheral’s a little cut off. ”
Despite the issue, Irving scored 25 points and had five assists against the Nets.
Next 7 days at a glance
Thursday, Nov. 16, at 8:00 pm vs Golden State Warriors
Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 pm @ Atlanta Hawks
Monday, Nov. 20, at 8:30 pm @ Dallas Mavericks
Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 pm @ Miami Heat
