NBA: Defense is key as streaking Celtics host red-hot Hornets

The Boston Celtics will face the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, coming off a hot streak with 12 wins in their last 14 games. Boston has relied on strong defense and roster depth to keep their momentum going.

The Celtics overcame the absences of leading scorer Jaylen Brown (illness) and starting center Neemias Queta (rest) in Monday’s 108-81 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Boston has allowed fewer than 100 points in nine of its past 13 wins and is giving up just 107.0 points per game this season—the lowest in the NBA.

Brown, averaging a team-high 29.0 points per game, has missed seven games this season, but the Celtics have gone 6-1 in those contests.

“It just starts with the guys,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “One of the strengths of this locker room has always been winning games even when players are out. We’ve sat guys over the last few years and still found ways to win. The guys have high competitive character and play for each other. That ownership and responsibility shows every night.”

Payton Pritchard came off the bench to lead Boston with 25 points against Milwaukee. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez made his third career start and contributed 18 points, 16 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

“We have our standard, and we want to maintain it every game,” Gonzalez said. “We don’t make excuses.”

“I think it’s the staff holding us accountable,” Pritchard added. “And it’s also Brad Stevens getting players who love to play basketball and are ready for every moment. That’s just a trait of this team.”

The Hornets, meanwhile, extended their winning streak to five games by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 117-90 on Tuesday. Charlotte has won 15 of their last 18 games and reached a .500 record (31-31) for the first time since Oct. 28, when they were 2-2.

“Overall, I’m really happy with our team effort on both ends,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said. “Holding a team under 100 again and winning every quarter shows our consistency and competitive spirit. We’re seeing the results of our work, and contributions are coming from all over the team. It’s helping us a lot.”

Brandon Miller scored a team-high 17 points against Dallas and has been Charlotte’s top scorer in each of the last four games.

Wednesday’s matchup is the first of three meetings between Boston and Charlotte. The Celtics will visit Charlotte on March 29, and the Hornets will return to Boston on April 7.

—Field Level Media/Reuters