The Celtics have officially found their rhythm since the All-Star break.
Kyrie Irving erupted for 34 points to lead a balanced offensive scoring attack for the C's, as the hosts cruised to a 134-106 win over the Hornets on Wednesday night. It was the fourth straight win for the C's as they posted season-highs in both points and field goal percentage (62.1%).
Kemba Walker had a team-high 23 points for the Hornets. He managed to keep things close in the first half with 21 points but the Celtics turned the game into a blowout early in the second half as Charlotte's offense fell off.
Seven Celtic players scored in double figures during the win including Greg Monroe (14 points).
GAME: No. 63 of 82
WHO: Celtics (43-19) vs. Hornets (28-33)
WHEN: 7:30 EST
WHERE: TD Garden
RADIO: 98.5 the Sports Hub
TV: NBC Sports Boston
Projected starters
Celtics
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Al Horford
C: Aron Baynes
Hornets
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Nicolas Batum
F: Treveon Graham
F: Marvin Williams
C: Dwight Howard
First Half Notes
- A battle of the point guards to start this game as Kyrie (16 points) and Kemba Walker (11 points) put on a show in an offensively minded first quarter for both teams.
- Dwight Howard showed some impressive strength in the post, getting a couple easy buckets against Aron Baynes and Greg Monroe with nice moves in the paint.
- Frank Kaminsky has been guarding Marcus Morris plenty and virtually begging him to take midrange jumpers with the space he's giving him. He fired up a couple early.
- Al Horford offensive woes continued with a couple missed buckets in the first quarter.
- Stevens' success with the all bench unit continued against the Hornets reserves. With Greg Monroe taking the place of Daniel Theis, the C's were able to put together a quick 11-2 run to start the second quarter, featuring some nice post work by Monroe. Willy Hernangomez had no hope of slowing him down in place of an injured Cody Zeller
- Continued patience by Marcus Smart on the offensive end of the floor is paying off as he hit two of his first field goal attempts, both coming on wide open looks.
- C's defense actually got worse in the second quarter with the decision to go small with Jayson Tatum subbing in for Monroe. Hornets got some missed mismatches and offensive rebounds that led to some easy buckets.
- Semi Ojeleye's no shot attempt streak was extended to 39 minutes post All-Star break.
- Kemba Walker finished the first half a perfect 8-of-8 from the field with 21 points. Irving toppedhim with 24 points (10/14 FG)
- Aron Baynes has found his offensive touch after struggling before the break. He went 5-of-5 from field, including a bevy of midrange jumpers. The C's offense is so much more potent when he's a solid shooting threat.
- The Celtics ruled out reserve center Daniel Theis due to a sore right hamstring on Wednesday afternoon. His absence should open the door for Greg Monroe to see some major minutes off the bench against a rebounding true big in Dwight Howard. It should be a valuable test for the new Celtic.
- A number of key rotation players are questionable for tonight's game on the Hornets end on the tail end of a back-to-back. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suffered a hamstring injury Tuesday night and will sit out along with Cody Zeller (knee). Trevon Graham will start in Kidd-Gilchrist's place.
- The Hornets are the hottest team in the East right now after rolling off five consecutive wins over the last couple weeks. They have taken advantage of weak opponents over that stretch but they still have a long road to climb to get close to the East postseason picture. They remain four games back of the Heat for the final playoff spot.