Four observations on the Celtics' four-game winning streak

A mix of four thoughts and analysis from the best stretch of the Celtics' season to date. 

1. Kyrie Irving is playing like he’s the best point guard in the Eastern Conference: This is cheating a little bit since the All-Star has been the most consistent Celtic on the roster since about seven games into the regular season but his contributions during his run should not get lost in the shuffle. He leads the team in several major categories including ppg (24.5), apg (7.8), FTA/G (3.5) and is shooting 48 percent from 3-point range despite firing up nearly eight 3-point attempts per game. The hot streak is reflective of what is quickly turning into the best all-around season of Irving’s career. He’s posting career-highs in rebounds (4.7), assists (6.4), steals (1.7) and blocks (0.5) per game and those types of all-around contributions haven’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. He’s engaged more than ever right now on both ends of the floor and it’s why the Celtics net rating skyrockets whenever he’s in the game right now. If he keeps playing at this level, he’s got a pretty strong chance of earning himself a spot on the All-NBA first team for the first time in his career.

2. Terry Rozier has found himself a great running mate next to Gordon Hayward: Marcus Smart and Rozier were a fun bench backcourt but they weren’t exactly a powerhouse on the offensive end, especially when paired with the likes of another defense-first guy in Aron Baynes. After a strong start to the year, Rozier found himself in an offensive rut as defenses were able to key on him a little bit more due to his surrounding cast in the second unit. However, it’s evident that he’s started to find his rhythm again thanks to playing alongside a bigger threat in Hayward. With top wing defenders usually lined up against the All-Star, Rozier has been freed up to find better looks in the halfcourt and transition, which has produced 10.5 ppg on 41 percent on 3-point shooting during the streak in just 21 minutes per game. Hayward’s ability to get others going in transition has stood out to his teammates and that’s something that Rozier thrives on.

“We're starting to develop that chemistry,” Horford said. “I think that Gordon, the numbers probably won't show it, but his impact and the way he is getting others involved, he is making the right plays, he is being aggressive and he just makes us look completely different. I think a lot of it has to do with Gordon's play.”

With two capable rebounders in Rozier and Hayward that can get out and push the ball, joined now by arguably Boston’s best transition threat in Jaylen Brown, there is a recipe for sustained success with the second unit.

3. Marcus Smart’s elimination of a turnover problem: The assist/turnover ratio has always been somewhat of a measuring point for point guard effectiveness. Essentially, it compares the good setup plays you make with your mistakes. A 2-to-1 ratio is solid. 3-to-1 is great. Rozier leads the C’s right now with a 3.2-to-1 ratio on the season.

That brings us to Smart’s impact. He’s taking on a dual point guard role in the starting lineup now alongside Irving and turnovers have actually been a big problem for him during the first month of the season. He had posted the highest turnover rate of his career over the first 15 games, arguably trying to do too much with the second unit at times.

Smart has looked completely at home after his move to the first unit though and that’s been reflective in his ballhandling. Over the past four games, Smart has dished out 22 assists while turning the ball over just one team. That’s an unbelievable ratio over the course of four games and is a huge reason why the Celtics have managed to score 115 points in every win during that stretch. Smart isn’t taking unnecessary risks anymore and it’s helping the C’s get a shot every time down the floor. As arguably the best passer on the team, it’s raising the efficiency of Boston’s offense to a brand new level.

4. The Celtics are still fouling way too much: It’s not all sunshine and roses during this streak. The competition hasn’t been great (except for the surging Wolves) and still, the Celtics’ defense has looked sluggish at times. Brad Stevens has emphasized the need for guys to get to the right spots on defense and the inability to do so consistently has led to fouling issues. Boston ranks 28th in the league in free throws allowed per game and have committed over 25 fouls per game during the winning streak, which would be the worst number in the NBA this season. There have been positives on the defensive end during the stretch (top-5 in turnovers forced, defending the 3-point line) but the fouling will come back to bite Boston if it’s not cleaned up soon. Pretty soon they are going to be facing better defenses than the Knicks and Pelicans of the world and they won’t be able to make up for the free throws given away. Getting smarter about positioning and avoiding fouling while in the penalty will prove to be points of emphasis as this month rolls on.