Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics heat it up in Miami: 3 observations of encouragement

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 29: Kyrie Irving #11 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics react on the bench during the game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 29: Kyrie Irving #11 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics react on the bench during the game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Al Horford and Aron Baynes /

The front-court duo

When both Aron Baynes and Al Horford are on the floor and healthy, the Boston Celtics are a tough team to beat period.

In Wednesday night’s game, Horford filled up the stats line once again and Baynes added a double-double as both big men continue to prove that they are keys to the team’s playoff success.

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With the defensive presence Baynes provide combined with the versatility of Horford, the duo once again displayed Wednesday night against the Heat that their chemistry when both are on the court makes the Celtics a tougher and more physical team overall.

"“Defensively, they clog the paint and that’s what we need,” Kyrie Irving said following the team’s victory against Indiana last Wednesday night.  “We need basket protection and the do a great job of that.  They have great chemistry as a four and five, so it works for us.”"

While Heat big man Hassan Whiteside did do some damage in the paint with 18 points and 15 rebounds, Al Horford and Aron Baynes as a duo outweighed that production with a combined 31 points and 18 rebounds.

That type of production and physicality will go a long way in the playoffs.  When both are healthy, the Boston Celtics are simply a better team defensively and when Horford is allowed to play the four, the team is also better offensively when it comes to ball movement.

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