The Horrible Thing Is That We Can Improve: Celtics Players Talk About Winning 50 Games.
With a score of 121-99, the Boston Celtics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers for the 50th time.
Portland had the game very close until the Celtics made a string of big shots in the closing frame to put the game away.
Payton Pritchard had the chance to start for Boston because of the absence of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The guard continued to play brilliantly, recording a nearly triple-double of 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
With 53 points combined, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum once again led the way, with Pritchard finishing as one of three starters with 11 points. Sam Hauser also excelled, scoring 22 points on 8–12 shots, including 6–10 from three. It was a season-high.
With an average of 28 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 53.2 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three since the All-Star break, Brown has continued to be extremely effective. The three-time All-Star stated that he and Tatum have become accustomed to these kinds of seasons in years seven and eight, and they do not take anything for granted when it comes to their consistency year after year.
The two referenced a lecture that Brown typically delivers at this time of year to the Celtics.
“I’m really appreciative,” Brown replied. “Everyone chuckles, as I always mention at this time of year what an honor it is to play for a winning team and get to the postseason; you also shouldn’t take it for granted. Being a part of a successful team that plays well and has another chance to accomplish something exceptional is something for which I am thankful. Whether they want to hear it or not doesn’t matter; I am appreciative.”
Brown went on to discuss the team’s thankfulness while drawing comparisons between the Celtics’ achievements and those of other NBA teams.
“It’s been an honor giving that speech every year; you know what I mean?” stated Brown. You may observe what’s happening in the locker rooms, teams that are in losing conditions, and team chemistry throughout the league. It’s not who we’ve been. You shouldn’t take anything for granted because, for the most part, I’ve won at every turn in my career thanks to amazing teammates, excellent organization, and a desire to create something unique.”
Tatum expanded on the statement given by his running mate.
Tatum continued, “We made fun of it earlier, but we should remember that not every team in the league has the luxury of having players like us for seven or eight years at a time. We’ve been fortunate enough to be on fantastic teams for that amount of time.” Surrounded by excellent players, people, and coaches, we simply strive to improve both personally and collectively every day. Even though we’re not flawless, we work hard to be so, and if we have 50 victories this season, we must be doing something right. It’s scary to think that we can improve.”
Since the Tatum and Brown era, the Celtics have had several 50-win seasons, but none this early. Boston knows they have a far greater focus on the end result since they have the best team around their two franchise pillars.
