Celtics’ recent consistency has let Boston ‘see what we can do’ as a team, according to Al Horford
While the Boston Celtics’ recent record is only a little better than it had been during the earlier portions of their 2021-22 slate of games, the team has won six of its last 10 games, and several of them in convincing fashion. Some saw Jayson Tatum sidle up to his single-game scoring record, others set the largest margin of victory at home in franchise history, with three blowouts to speak of in that 10-game stretch.
After their most recent of the trio of shellackings handed out to opponents in January — a 122 – 92 drubbing of an undermanned Miami Heat squad this past Monday evening — veteran big man Al Horford fielded questions from the media on what had changed with the Celtics to provide this newfound focus.
“I think it starts with our pace on offense,” shared Horford.
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart was none too pleased with a fan crossing into disrespectful territory with his heckling on Saturday. https://t.co/xIGWXBxkR4
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 1, 2022
” I just felt like we’re becoming more consistent with better ball movement,” he related. “(We’re) playing a little faster offensively and just making the simple plays.”
“Obviously, we’re still working through some things, but I’m very encouraged by the progress of our group.”
The Boston Celtics came to play in their home tilt with the Miami Heat Monday night, clobbering the Heat 122 – 92 at TD Garden Monday night and improving to 27 – 25, good enough for the… https://t.co/BcmcurSws6
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 1, 2022
Asked specifically whether consistency from his teammates in terms of on-court product as much as availability has helped, the Florida product agreed emphatically; “We’re fortunate to have that,” he explained.
“We can see what we can do or who we are. It’s just a good opportunity to work and see how good we can be defensively. With that group and the way we fly around out there, I feel like we’re always going to be in good positions. I think the other part for us is figuring out offensively, how we can make it work.”
“And the guys, starting with Jayson and Jaylen, it’s been working really well,” credited Horford.
WATCH: Boston’s Jaylen Brown gets 29 points, 4 boards vs. Miami Heat at TD Garden (1/31) https://t.co/VaouXqZE8o
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 1, 2022
More defined roles for veteran guard Marcus Smart as the point guard, a better mix of more complementary players, and some consistency for some of the younger players have also played significant roles in changing the play of the team.
Now, the question is whether the young Boston roster can stay focused on this new way of playing, from the two way players all the way up to new head coach Ime Udoka.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
The St. Louis native will link up with the Memphis head coach to work on his game this offseason according to reports. https://t.co/SVfGT4xJdy
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 1, 2022
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