PHILADELPHIA — Al Horford started his postgame interview within the Celtics locker room, standing in entrance of a tv display that broadcast the NHL’s 4 Nations championship recreation between the USA and Canada.
Fittingly, simply because the 38-year-old veteran started to area his first query in regards to the Celtics’ sharp early rhythm, Workforce USA scored a purpose.
“Oh, hell yeah!” Derrick White, a self-proclaimed hockey fan, bellowed towards the tv, earlier than breaking right into a patriotic chant:
“USA! USA! USA!”
Vibes had been excessive after one other postgame victory for the Celtics, their fourth straight win and seventh consecutive on the street. Gamers recounted their respective All-Star breaks, and later, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, and White collectively burst into laughter over one thing on certainly one of their telephones within the nook of the locker room.
With the 124-104 thrashing of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics improved to 40-16 on the season, which means they’ve hit the elusive 40-20 rule, which has lengthy maintained that official NBA title contenders ought to attain 40 wins earlier than 20 losses on the season and the numbers again it up. The Celtics now be part of the Cavs and the Thunder in reaching that milestone.
A well-balanced offensive efficiency bought it achieved
Boston bought scorching early on and by no means appeared again, sinking 8 first-quarter three-pointers, main by 16 on the half — and lengthening the benefit to as many as 29 factors within the second half.
Jrue Vacation, again within the lineup after 4 absences because of a proper shoulder impingement, appeared refreshed. Jaylen Brown (20 factors, 6 assists, 6 rebounds) was managed and environment friendly. Payton Pritchard was large off the bench, recording a game-high 28 factors (on 8-15 capturing) and 4 assists, or, as Tatum put it to TNT’s Allie LaForce: “He’s bought to be the sixth man of the yr.”
Kristaps Porzingis added 17 factors and Derrick White posted 16 factors. From begin to end, these appeared just like the championship Celtics, with the ball flying and defensive focus crisp.
“We simply did a great job of attending to our spacing,” Joe Mazzulla stated. “Making the correct learn versus the protection, discovering the two-on-one, and taking the correct pictures. It’s essential to try this towards a group like this.”
Jayson Tatum isn’t shy about chasing greatness
In case you solely appeared on the field rating, you wouldn’t know simply how impactful Tatum was on this one. The 26-year-old tallied 15 factors, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists en path to his fourth profession regular-season triple-double.
However, his influence prolonged even past simply his stat line, as Tatum largely managed the tempo of the sport together with his playmaking.
Afterward, when requested about what’s fueling him this season, he candidly acknowledged his want to be an all-time nice.
“Since I’ve gotten within the league, it’s simply attempting to get higher each single yr,” Tatum stated. “I’m very achieved at a younger age, however the fact is, I envision myself as a type of guys — the LeBron’s [James], the Steph’s [Curry], the [Kevin Durant’s]. I would like the subsequent technology to view me as that.”
So, moments like Spurs rookie Stephon Fort deeming Tatum his favourite participant and carrying his sneakers are milestones within the pursuit of that purpose, Tatum stated.
Jayson Tatum was requested about what fuels him by @Globe_Tara:
“The reality is, I envision myself as a type of guys — the Lebron, Steph, KDs. I would like the subsequent technology to view me as that.”
I requested him if moments like Stephon Fort are milestone in that journey:
“Yeah. These… pic.twitter.com/kI9sJwgnNO
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) February 21, 2025
Tatum’s aspirations don’t have any bounds. Final week, after a win towards the Warmth, he passionately debated together with his Celtics teammates about Hen being the franchise’s all-time finest participant. Not everybody within the locker room agreed, however Tatum was steadfast within the perception.
After Thursday’s win, the seven-time All-Star admitted that he’s chasing Larry Hen in hopes of changing into the best Celtic to ever play.
“I at all times needed to be the perfect,” Tatum stated. “And he’s, in my view, the perfect Celtic ever, and he did it the correct means, and he’s a terrific man to chase in a way.”
“Even when I by no means attain that — possibly I do, possibly I don’t — for those who aspire to chase that man, it comes with a degree of focus and motivation each single day to be the perfect you possibly can.”
Celtics followers take over Wells Fargo Middle — once more
There have been so many Celtics followers within the bleachers of Wells Fargo Middle pregame that the in-arena announcer needed to jokingly handle it earlier than tip-off, and categorical assurance that the 76ers crowd was finally going to point out out.
The fact, although, is that even when the sport was inside putting distance, Philadelphia’s house enviornment was devoid of considerable assist for the 76ers. After the sport, as every Celtic walked into the tunnel after finishing their on-court media obligations, they acknowledged the raucous Celtic crowd. White threw one child his towel, fastidiously deciding on him from the numerous calling for it within the crowd.
Afterward, Payton Prtichard talked about that Joe Mazzulla typically reminds the gamers how fortunate they’re to play for the Celtics.
“It’s at all times superior to see the assist on the street — we now have the perfect followers on this planet,” Pritchard stated. “Joe talks about it on a regular basis: it’s only a privilege to have the ability to play in a corporation and a fan base like this. Undoubtedly grateful, and hopefully we are able to maintain profitable and produce house one other one.”
Al Horford enjoys persevering with to infuriate 76ers followers
The 76ers followers who had been in attendance had been audibly pissed off from the second gameplay started.
After the loss, Philadelphia sits in eleventh place within the Japanese Convention — 9 video games again of the postseason — and regardless of having their huge three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all obtainable tonight, they merely weren’t in a position to stand up to the Celtics’ punches.
Embiid acknowledged postgame how a lot his knee harm is inhibiting him.
“The way in which I used to be taking part in a yr in the past isn’t the best way I’m taking part in proper now,” he stated. “It sucks, however I imagine I most likely have to, you realize, to repair the issue, after which I’ll be again at that degree.”
However, the Philadelphia crowd appeared particularly bothered by Al Horford’s presence, and effectiveness. Horford tallied 11 factors on 4-7 capturing in 18 minutes and was a +20 in his minutes — and the group loudly booed him when he was launched.
Such has been the norm since Horford returned to Boston in 2021 after an unsuccessful season with Philadelphia.
Horford doesn’t thoughts the animosity he faces in Philadelphia; in reality, he likes it.
“They care sufficient to boo,’ he stated. “It’s good to be cared for.”
And, as a lot as followers made positive to precise their dislike for Horford, it’s clear that they acknowledge, and are bothered by, his influence.
“Yo Joel, a 38-year-old is guarding you, do one thing,” one yelled on the former MVP.
“He’s a senior citizen guys, come on,” yelled one other fan as Horford saved a free ball from going out of bounds.
Is Torrey Craig an elite rim protector?
The 34-year-old veteran, taking part in simply his second recreation as a Celtic, was vastly impactful in a restricted stint.
He solely performed 8 minutes — all blowout fourth-quarter minutes — however Craig tallied 3 blocks in that span, and spurred the Celtics bench to erupt every time.
“Torrey has been in a position to match into our group immediately,” Horford stated. “The luxurious that we now have to have him on our group, figuring out that he can are available in and influence the sport defensively and produce that vitality and toughness.”
The Celtics are again at house on Saturday to tackle the Knicks. Then, they’ll hit the street for 2 extra street video games — first towards the Raptors on Tuesday, then towards the Pistons on Wednesday.
