The Boston Celtics are still winning despite missing the services of Kyrie Irving, who suffered a minor facial fracture. On November 12, the Celtics extended their winning streak to 12 games after edging the Toronto Raptors at the TD Garden, 95-94.

The returning Al Horford led the way for the Boston Celtics. In 33 minutes of action, Horford tallied 21 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. In a report by the Associated Press, Celtics point guard Terry Rozier said Horford is "playing young again."

Horford downplayed Rozier's claim.

The Celtics big man stated that he does not know if the younger version of himself performed the way he is doing now. "You know, it’s been years of just working on my game and try to play this new way," the four-time All-Star added.

In 12 games this season, Horford averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest. The 31-year-old is the second-best scorer and the leading rebounder of the Celtics.

Team effort

Al Horford did lead the Boston Celtics past the Toronto Raptors, though he had help. Jaylen Brown followed Horford in scoring with 18 points. Terry Rozier had a huge offensive game as well as he contributed 16 points off the bench. Marcus Smart nearly had a double-double for the Celtics as he recorded 14 points and nine assists.

Smart also had five rebounds and two steals. Rookie Jayson Tatum registered 13 points and seven boards.

Boston's recent victory over the Raptors improved the squad's record to 12-2. The Celtics have the best record in the entire NBA as of the moment.

Kyrie Irving update

In other Boston Celtics news, it remains undetermined when Kyrie Irving can return to action.

Irving sat out in the Celtics' win over the Toronto Raptors due to the minor facial fracture he sustained in a November 10 game against the Charlotte Hornets. Celtics center Aron Baynes accidentally elbowed Irving in the face in the first quarter of that meeting. Irving went down, left bloodied, and was unable to come back.

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens told reporters ahead of their matchup with the Raptors that aside from the facial injury, there is no other issue. Before the diagnosis, there were fears that Irving may have suffered a concussion. Stevens added that they are hoping the All-Star point guard could play sooner.

Irving is the leading scorer of the Celtics, averaging 20.3 points per game. The 25-year-old is proving so far this season that he is capable of carrying a team.
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