The Boston Celtics went into Oklahoma City on Friday, Nov. 3, to take on Russell Westbrook and the Thunder. The C’s battled back from an 18 point deficit thanks to 25 points from Kyrie Irving, 20 points from Al Horford, and 10 points and 12 rebounds from Jaylen Brown. Paul George lead the way for the Thunder with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics came back east to Orlando to face the Magic on Sunday. A balanced offensive effort was spearheaded by 18 points from Brown and 14 points and 10 rebounds from Horford. The Magic were led by double-doubles from Aaron Gordon (18 points, 12 rebounds) and Nikola Vucevic (13 points, 10 rebounds).
The C’s finished up their road trip in Atlanta against the Hawks on the second night of a back-to-back. Irving poured in 35 points and was accompanied by Jayson Tatum, who had 21 points. 23 points from Dennis Schroeder paced the Hawks’ offensive attatck.
The squad then made their way home for a matchup with rookie Lonzo Ball the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Center Aron Baynes tied a career-high 21 points, followed by Kyrie Irving with 19 and Marcus Morris with 18. Terry Rozier supplied 14 points off the bench in what was Boston’s tenth straight win. LA was led by 18 points each from Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram.
Celtics boasting top defense
The Celtics’ are on a 10-game winning streak and that is largely thanks to the team’s strong defense. The C’s are leading the league in defensive rating, and ranks in the top five of the NBA in defensive rebounds and steals, according to NBA Advanced Statistics.
“When we’re able to do it over a four-quarter game, I feel like we put ourselves in a great position to win,” Irving said of the importance of this team’s defensive performance. “Offensively, it’s not going to be the best every single night, but [defense is] one of the things we preach and it’s one of the things we have systematically in place.”
Marcus Morris makes season debut
Forward Marcus Morris missed the beginning of the regular season with knee soreness, but has now made his way into the lineup. He made his debut against the Thunder, and in 18 minutes of play he contributed nine points and four rebounds. After his debut, Against the Magic, he had 12 points and seven rebounds. In a larger offensive role against the Lakers, Morris poured in 18 points in 24 minutes of play.
“Throughout the course of the season, we’re better with Marcus Morris,” head coach Brad Stevens said while talking to reporters after the game in Oklahoma City. “He is going to be an important part of our team.”
Next 7 days at a glance
Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 pm vs. Charlotte Hornets
Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3:30 p.m. vs. Toronto Raptors
Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. @ Brookyln Nets
