Celtics win 10 straight; Baynes steps up in Horford’s absence
By Gio Rivera
Big man Aron Baynes steps up for the Boston Celtics on short notice of Al Horford absence and rookie Jayson Tatum’s early exit.
The Boston Celtics remain the hottest team in the NBA, now winning 10 straight games following a 107-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
However win number 10 didn’t come easy in any way, shape, or form as it was perhaps Boston’s most unimpressive performance this season.
The Celtics posted their worst defensive rebound percentage of the season (72.7%) , three-point shooting night (.241 3-PT FG%), and field goal percentage (.288%) of the season in the 11-point win over Los Angeles.
Despite a 19-point night from Kyrie Irving, that point total doesn’t do justice to his 7-21 night from the field while going 0-7 on 3-point field goals.
Prior to the game it was announced that key Celtics starter, Al Horford would not be suited for action against the Lakers due to a concussion injury. Horford is Boston’s rebound leader this season, averaging 9.2 per game; which is 2.4 rebounds more than Horford averaged last season to lead the Boston Celtics.
However despite the absence of Al Horford and key-role rookie Jayson Tatum, Brad Stevens and the Celtics managed to find a source in their rotation to compensate for the missing offense and work on the glass.
Stepping up big time
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First year Celtic, Aron Baynes stepped up to the plate as he lead all scorers in the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. It was just the 4th time in Baynes 6-year career that he led his team in scoring.
Another big man making the most of his minutes in his debut season with the Celtics was 9-year NBA veteran, Marcus Morris who played 25 minutes and scored 18 points which was the equivalent of the Lakers leading scorers.
Brad Stevens simply stated “until we’ve only got 4 [healthy players], were going to keep playing” in response to Tatum’s ankle injury.
Tatum was left in a walking boot following the end of the Lakers game, and will undergo further review on Thursday to determine the severity of his injury.
As for the Celtics, they continue to roll as basketball’s hottest team with a 10-game win streak now after beginning the season 0-2.
Next: Boston Celtics: 3 reasons to love big bangin’ Aron Baynes
Boston will look to make it 11 against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.