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The Boston Celtics have ripped off their fifth straight win of the season, making them the first team in 15 years to accomplish that feat after losing the first two games.
Following a convincing 108-94 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, head coach Gregg Popovich voiced some high praise for the Celtics and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.
Popovich "I thought the Celtics' movement was great… They're playing with some edge and some physicality and I think they look wonderful."
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) October 31, 2017
Boston has quickly become a highly efficient team offensively despite losing All-Star forward Gordon Hayward for the season due to a broken leg. This has seen other players step up such as former All-Star big man Al Horford, who had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds against the Spurs.
This also includes second-year forward Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum both striving in expanded roles in the starting lineup as each is averaging at least 14.0 points per game. This has created a well-balanced offense behind Irving, who Popovich also singled out with a huge amount of praise.
Pop says it's same Kyrie: "He's a hell of a player. You think that's going to change? Kyrie does what he does, and he does it very well."
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) October 31, 2017
The 25-year-old's ability to quickly come in and acquiesce himself to the Celtics' system and established culture speaks to his ability adjust to new surroundings. It has also allowed for him to perform well in the process averaging 21.7 points along with 5.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
Although it's still quite early in the season, the manner in which Boston is playing should create much reason for optimism about could come in the next several months.
