A return home on Thursday saw the Celtics come back from a 26-point deficit to down the Houston Rockets 99-98. Kyrie Irving’s 26 points lead the way for Boston, while James Harden poured in 34 points for Houston. Two late offensive fouls on Harden were drawn by Marcus Smart and proved pivotal in the final minute of the close game.
A New Year’s Eve matchup with the Brooklyn Nets allowed the Celtics to add one more win to their record before the calendar turned over, 105-102. Irving’s 28 points bested 22 points from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the win.
The Cavaliers came to Boston for the first time this season on Wednesday, and the Celtics came away with a 102-88 victory. Terry Rozier led the way for the Celtics with 20 points, while Lebron James added 19 for Cleveland.
Celtics complete largest comeback of season
The Celtics completed a 26-point comeback – their largest of the season so far – against the Houston Rockets on Thursday.
Holding the Rockets to just 25 percent shooting in the second half, the Celtics stormed back late in the game. Marcus Smart drew one offensive foul on James Harden with 7.3 seconds on the clock, leading to an Al Horford jumper to take the lead with 3.7 seconds left. Smart then drew yet another foul on Harden to get the ball back and eventually ice the game.
Kyrie Irving spoke to reporters after the game about the comeback and how it took a tremendous team effort.
“I’ve had a few comebacks, but this is a special one. From just how we started, it was just so ugly,” Irving said. “They came out firing. We just had to battle back. It took a lot. It took everybody.”
Gordon Hayward receives Lil B’s “The BasedGods” blessing
Popular Rapper and Twitter Personality Lil B gave his “Based God Blessing” to Gordon Hayward. In the blessing, Lil B says that Hayward will return from his ankle injury and be better than ever.
GORDAN HAYWARD HAS “THE BASEDGODS” BLESSINGS FOR HIS HEALTH HE WILL BE BACK SOON STRONGER AND MORE POSITIVE THEN EVER GO BOSTON! ALSO WHO IS WATCHING THE SIXERS PLAY RIGHT NOW AGINST NUGGETS? ALSO WARRIORS ARE PLAYING LIVE RIGHT NOW TO!!! GO WARRIORS AND SIXERS – Lil B
— Lil B THE BASEDGOD (@LILBTHEBASEDGOD) December 31, 2017
“The Based God”, as he refers to himself, has dished out “blessings” and “curses” to NBA players over the years, notably cursing Kevin Durant during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder before the Bay Area rapper blessed him upon his decision to join the Warriors.
Before this season, Lil B also blessed Jaylen Brown and the entire Celtics team.
Nba jaylen brown and the Boston celtics have my blessings this year for the @Nba blessings !!! Congrats to jaylen for being real! – Lil B
— Lil B THE BASEDGOD (@LILBTHEBASEDGOD) September 5, 2017
Brown later thanked the rapper for his blessing, and also gave him a shout-out during a game on the Jumbotron during the Celtics Cavaliers game.
ALL IT TAKES IS ONE PLAYER FROM YOUR TEAM TO SHOW LOVE TO LIL B AND THE WHOLE ORGANIZATION WILL BE BLESSED!!! LOVE ONLY AROUND HERE! JAYLEN BROWN FROM THE CELTICS GAVE LIL B A HUG THIS YEAR NOW LOOK AT HIM AND THE CELTICS!!! LEGENDS!!! BEFORE AND AFTER LIL B – Lil B
— Lil B THE BASEDGOD (@LILBTHEBASEDGOD) December 31, 2017
I spy the basegod on the Celtics jumbotron showing some love to u bro @LILBTHEBASEDGOD pic.twitter.com/ENHtb7E17b
— John Koulouris (@celticsjk23) January 4, 2018
It is unclear how this blessing will affect the timetable for Hayward’s return, but every little bit counts (TYBG).
