On November 22, a winning streak ended as the Boston Celtics lost to the Miami Heat, 104-98. Following the defeat, Celtics center Al Horford pointed out an aspect of their game that must be improved.
"We have to run our offense with more pace. That’s the thing that’s not having us click like we should. That means getting in better shape, better conditioning," Horford said according to the Boston Globe. The veteran added that the defense of the Celtics is already solid, but they should "play offense harder."
It appears that the Celtics took to heart the comments made by Horford.
In their home game versus the Orlando Magic on November 24, the C's started hot on offense and never looked back. Boston outscored Orlando in the first three quarters of the contest (40-26, 33-21, and 26-22). The Magic had a better offensive performance in the final frame, 34-19, but their comeback attempt fell short.
Celtics leaders
Five Boston Celtics players scored in double-digits in their 118-103 victory over the Orlando Magic. Leading the way was Kyrie Irving who exploded for 30 points. Irving's backup, Terry Rozier, added 23. Jaylen Brown and Aron Baynes each contributed 13 points. Baynes also completed a double-double performance for the Celtics as he grabbed 11 boards.
Completing the list of double-digit scorers for the Celtics was rookie Jayson Tatum who tallied 11 points.
Al Horford, who wanted the Celtics to have a better effort on offense, did his part. The 31-year-old matched his career-high as he dished out 10 assists, seven in the first period. Horford had five points, four rebounds, and two rejections as well.
After beating the Magic, Horford explained that the key for the Celtics was their great first half.
"We finally got a (first) half going. That first half was the key for us winning that game," Horford stated per the Associated Press.
Matchup with Pacers
Up next on the schedule for Al Horford and the Boston Celtics are the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics are going to visit the Pacers at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 25.
The matchup with the Pacers is a test for the C's. Indiana has won five consecutive outings to improve its record to 11-8 and take the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Celtics are at 17-3 to sit atop the conference. They have a four-game lead over the second-placed Detroit Pistons and are four and a half game away from the third-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
