Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis each contributed significantly to the Boston Celtics’ 114-97 victory over the Orlando Magic in the homestand finale.
Brown led the Celtics with 31 points, thanks to a scorching streak from three-point range. Porzingis added 15 points and 10 rebounds as he continued to make key plays for the Celtics.
With the victory, the Celtics completed a five-game homestand that included sweeps of three two-game series against the Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the run is encouraging, each component of the effort is important to the Boston team.
“We’re not skipping any steps,” Brown told Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston after the game. “We have to make the most of every single day.” Back-to-backs into an early game make for a difficult schedule. We’re not going to make any excuses. We just roll with it.”
Taking efforts toward a team culture remains a focus for Celtics players as they push each other for the betterment of the team.
“It’s something we talked about early in the season,” Porzingis said after the game. “I believe (Brown) mentioned that having so much talent can invite laziness.” We want to establish that culture. Who’s in and who’s out, no matter how talented we are. We always play the same manner when we’re all together. Play aggressively. Always make the best decision for each other. That is how we will create that culture on the floor.”
Another common theme of the homestand had been the unselfishness of Celtics stars such as Brown to watch their individual statistics decline at times in order to make the right basketball plays to secure wins.
“I feel like it’s all about the role and the opportunities that you’ve been given,” Brown explained to reporters. “I’ve completed my responsibilities in the roles that I’ve been assigned to. I’ve needed to be a better scorer at various points in my career. I’ve had to be the aggressor at times. It’s evident that I don’t need to score 30 points per game on this team. That would be fantastic, but we have a lot of guys who can put the ball in the cup and are doing well. Making sure I’m making the appropriate moves and readings has helped me see the game in a new light. “I believe it has made me a better basketball player.”
With the homestand in the books, the Celtics head west to start their trip with a battle with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
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