The Boston Celtics have been the hottest team in the NBA in 2022.
After an inconsistent start to the campaign, the C's have hit their stride with 16 wins in their last 20 games. If they take down the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, they'll take a 10-game win streak into the All-Star break.
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So, what's been the key to Boston's recent success? Celtics legend and radio broadcaster Cedric Maxwell shared his thoughts, as well as what C's point guard Marcus Smart told him has been the most important factor.
"For me, it really started out with the initial point of attack with Marcus Smart," Maxwell said on Early Edition. "I was on the elevator with Marcus Smart after (the win streak) got to five in a row. I said, 'You guys are playing pretty well.' And he said, 'That's what happens when you let the damn point guard run the offense.' So, there's a belief that he's there, he knows what he wants to do, they're distributing the basketball."
Smart makes a valid point. The Celtics are 11-1 since his return to the lineup on Jan. 23. During that span, Smart is a +203 and averaging 12.0 points, 5.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Also making a tremendous impact is big man Robert Williams. The 24-year-old is enjoying a breakout season with 10.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
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Maxwell went as far as to say Williams has helped to form a Big Three alongside stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
"The point that Sean Grande made, my broadcast partner, said we've been looking for a third star. Well, we're looking at one right now in Rob Williams because of what he's been able to do. This team has been consistently getting better, and you have to like that if you're a Boston Celtics fan."
Unfortunately for the Celtics, Smart went down with a sprained ankle in Tuesday night's win over the Philadelphia 76ers and won't play in Wednesday's game. The good news is the All-Star break will give Smart plenty of time to rest up.
Boston's first game after the break is scheduled for Feb. 24 in Brooklyn.
Check out the video above to hear everything Maxwell had to say.