Kyrie Praises Gordon Hayward, Celtics Inflict Coach Kerr's Worst Home Loss

A trip to the Bay Area was exactly what the Boston Celtics needed to get their mojo back as they beat the reigning back-to-back champions Golden State Warriors 128-95 Tuesday night at the Oracle Arena. And for the first time since the All-Star break, the Celtics looked like a squad with real team spirit.

The vibe in the Celtics camp leading up to the game against the Warriors was described as ‘toxic’ by Jaylen Brown following their 1-5 run since the All-Star break. Kyrie Irving – the proclaimed leader of the team - looked disinterested and distanced from the action.

But Tuesday could be a turning point as they look to get back into form going into the final 17 games of the regular season and the playoffs. Gordon Hayward led the way with 30 points as the Celtics hand the Warriors their biggest home loss in the Steve Kerr era.

Hayward contributed 30 points and seven rebounds from the bench as the Celtics led the game from start to finish, with their biggest lead of the match coming at the final buzzer. He also became the third player in Celtics history to score 30+ points three times or more from the bench in one season. Irving, who seemed in a joyous mood on the bench with the rest of his teammates, scored 19 points and assisted 11.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also played key roles with 17 and 18 points, respectively, as the Celtics put in one of their best performances of the season in their first of four on the road. They next travel to Sacramento to face the Kings before heading to Los Angeles where they will take on the Lakers on Saturday and the Clippers on Monday.

“We just wanted to come out and put the focus on being a great road team, we haven’t done that this season. We put a lot of emphasis on being connected, being together and we just haven’t been doing it,” Irving told Players Only on TNT after the win.

“We have been doing a lot of talking and honestly it was finally about time we put some action to it. And it starts with me, it starts with my energy and how I go out there and how I play but these guys did an incredible job filling in and it could be anybody’s night on this team.

“I am big on confidence, he is big on confidence, we are born on the same day so if anybody can understand what it’s like to go through a tragic injury like he did last year,” Irving said praising Hayward. “Coming back into the season dealing with what he is dealing with, you know this is around the time when he gets it going.”

“Resilience, patience, perseverance and just being there for one another and celebrating your teammates’ success,” the Celtics point guard said when asked what was needed going into the final 17 games and the playoffs.