As the Celtics return to Boston following an impressive 3-1 West Coast road trip, they will have a chance to build on their 14-0 undefeated home record.
First on the schedule is a date with the Detroit Pistons – offering the C’s an opportunity to extend the longest losing streak in the history of the NBA. Following that, the C’s will take on the Toronto Raptors – whom they have never lost to under head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Before kicking off this two-game homestand, let's take a moment to put a bow on last week's West Coast trip, delve into some key developments from those four games, and give appreciation to any aspects that may have gone unnoticed.
Shoutout to Payton Pritchard
“Pacific P,” as dubbed by NBC Sports Boston’s Drew Carter, came up big for the Celtics off the bench throughout the four-game road trip, providing a spark seemingly whenever one was needed.
The 25-year-old averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over the four-game stretch, shooting a very efficient 17-of-34 (50%) from the field and 14-of-27 (51.9%) from deep.
After wanting out a season ago due to a lack of playing time, the fourth-year guard received a vote of confidence when he inked a four-year, $30 million contract extension prior to the start of the season.
Despite a slow start shooting, opening the season 10-of-41 (24.4%) from distance, Mazzulla stuck with Pritchard, encouraging him to keep shooting – and has been rewarded.
Pritchard’s hot shooting over the trip helped mask an uncharacteristically cold Sam Hauser, who finished the trip shooting 6-of-23 (26.1%) from the field and 3-of-19 (15.8%) from deep.
Overall, Pritchard and Hauser have been huge for the Celtics this season. One of the big questions entering the season for the Celtics was their depth following their roster makeover over the offseason. Boston needed Hauser and Pritchard to step up in their increased roles this season, and so far, the two sharpshooters have answered the call.
Neemias Queta or Luke Kornet?
Earlier this month, Mazzulla noted that Hauser, Pritchard, and Kornet will round out Boston’s rotation along with the top-six of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Al Horford when the team is fully healthy.
However, after missing six games due to an adductor strain, Kornet was off the injury report and available to play for the Celtics on Christmas day. Despite being healthy, Kornet did not appear in the game. Instead, Mazzulla opted to go with Queta.
Queta, who signed a two-way deal with the Celtics this offseason, has made the most of his minutes when given the opportunity. This was especially the case during Kornet’s absence on the West Coast trip.
While we will likely get more clarity moving forward, Queta’s minutes on Christmas Day were well-earned – though he struggled at times.
Both Centers should get a chance to audition Friday night against the Raptors, as Horford will almost certainly sit the second night of the back-to-back, and it will be interesting to see what direction the Celtics go in.
Either way, it’s a good problem for the Celtics, who have been linked to looking for help in the frontcourt.
Derrick White’s All-Star campaign
The D-White All-Star campaign has been picking up steam at a rapid pace.
“He’s an All-Star,” Mazzulla declared after White posted 28 points, seven assists, two rebounds, three blocks, and a steal in just three quarters of work in Boston’s blowout win over the Kings.
The 29-year-old guard is averaging 16.6 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals – all career-highs.
Boston is outscoring opponents by 262 points when White is on the floor this season and by 34 when is off. That’s an absurd 228-point difference.
White is one of the best two-way players in the league and is undoubtedly the most impactful player on the best team, which should be enough for All-Star consideration.
However, as we know, the All-Star game voting is a popularity contest, which will be difficult for White when you look at the Guards in the Eastern Conference – Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, and DeMar DeRozan.
NBA All-Star rules allow for two backcourt starters, a pair of backcourt reserves, and two wild cards of any position – which means a maximum of six guards.
Fans account for 50 percent of the All-Star starter vote. The media and players each make up 25 percent.
For the reserves, all 30 NBA coaches are given a ballot with the ability to select three frontcourt players, two backcourt players, and two wild card picks – which would be the most likely way for White to get in.
Note- coaches aren’t allowed to vote for their own players.
White has received praise from opposing coaches, such as Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau, who claims White is “one of the most underrated players in the league,” and 76ers’ Nick Nurse, who pointed out White’s impact.
Taking care of the ball
In the aftermath of the Celtics’ loss to the Pacers in the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament, Mazzulla pointed out one area in particular that plagued his team – the turnovers.
At times, taking care of the ball has been an issue for the Celtics this season, but that’s an area they excelled in during their West Coast trip.
Boston turned the ball over fewer than 10 times in each of their four games. Before the trip, the Celtics had just three games this season in which they recorded fewer than 10 turnovers.
The Celtics recorded just 35 turnovers over the four games, the fewest in the NBA over that stretch – posting an 8.8% turnover percentage, well below their 13.8% season average entering the trip.
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