Kevin Durant opens up on Celtics’ progress: “JT’s a year older, JB’s a year older, their guys are just getting more experienced”
Kevin Durant lauded the Boston Celtics for carrying over their momentum from last season to this year. The Celtics, led by young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, reached the NBA Finals last year. They have the best record (19-5) to start the 2022-23 season.
Durant highlighted that the C's gained experience after their finals run, which made them better. Here's what the Nets star said after his team's 103-92 home loss against Boston on Sunday (via Yes Network on YouTube):
"Going to the finals definitely helps you as a team. Brings you closer. JT (Jayson Tatum) is a year older, JB (Jaylen Brown) is a year older. Their guys are just getting more experience every day, and their record shows."
The Celtics have been the most well-functioning team on the court this year. They lead the league in offensive (120.1) and net ratings (8.6). Boston also has one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. Despite missing the services of starting center Robert Williams III, who is crucial to their defensive schemes, the Celtics have managed to register the best start.
Their team chemistry is second to none, thanks to the phenomenal job their front office has done in keeping their core together. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have elevated their games as well.
The former is in the running to win his maiden MVP award, while the latter seems to have rediscovered his All-Star caliber form. It has made them one of the most unstoppable teams in the NBA, and they seemed poised to make another finals run.
Also read: Paul Pierce boldly claims Jayson Tatum has surpassed Kevin Durant right now after last year's playoff performances
Celtics extend winning streak over Kevin Durant's Nets to eight games
The Boston Celtics have been a different team since the mauling they received at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 playoffs. They returned to the top of the NBA last season under head coach Ime Udoka. The Celtics haven't lost a game against the Nets since then.
They beat the Nets three times in a row last season and scripted a 4-0 series sweep in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. This season, they have been without Udoka, who got suspended after breaching the organization's policies. However, that hasn't impacted them much as the Celtics have continued to thrive under interim coach Joe Mazzulla.
Boston extended their winning streak to eight games over the Nets after beating Kevin Durant and Co. 103-92 on the road in their first meeting of the 2022-23 season.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown dominated the contest. The former scored 29 points, grabbed 11 boards and made four steals, shooting 52.6% from the floor, while the latter bagged 34 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, shooting 50% from the floor.
Kevin Durant was the lone bright spot for the Nets. He scored a team-high 31 points on 54.2% shooting. Brooklyn took an 11-2 lead to start the game but couldn't sustain the start. The Celtics capitalized on their momentum and sealed the win with ease.
Also read: Former NBA champion issues bold statement about Boston Celtics star duo: "Right now, I believe Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the best duo in the NBA”