Surging Celtics Extend Streak to 16 Wins

 The Boston Celtics are in the midst of a fantastic run. Their ongoing win streak has reached 16 wins after their 110-102 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics have managed to rise above the adversity of losing Gordon Hayward on the first game of the season due to a nasty injury. Young players such as Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum have stepped up and have been productive, but at the center of this impressive start to the 2017-18 is Kyrie Irving.

Irving joined the Celtics via a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has been playing with a chip on shoulder, trying to prove to himself and the World that he is able to lead a team to victory, coming out of the shadow of former teammate LeBron James.

Irving carried the bulk of the scoring load in this game with a 47-point explosion. He was scary-efficient, making 16-of-22 shots from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line. He also connected on 5-of-7 shots from 3-point range. Irving got his teammates involved in the action with his six assists.

Jaylen Brown added 22 points and nine rebounds.

The Mavericks pushed them to the limit in this game, showing a hunger that had been evading them so far this season. Harrison Barnes led the charge for the Mavs with a team-high 31 points and six rebounds.

Despite Dallas’ spirited play, Boston still managed to come away with the win in the extra period. The Celtics have already been dubbed as the “team of the future” in the Eastern Conference. While the season is still in its early stages, the Celtics are on pace to finish with the best record in the East.