Boston Celtics: 3 reasons to be thankful this weekend

The Celtics have Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has been nothing short of magical in the early going this season. After an underwhelming start to the season himself, where Kyrie posted just 14 points per game and 5.5 assists on 39/24/69 in the first six games, he has exploded into a better version of his old self.

Since game seven, at home against the Detroit Pistons, Kyrie is scorching hot, tallying 25.8 points on 52/44/86 and adding 6.5 assists in that span. His playmaking has been especially inspiring, as Kyrie has always been seen as a pure scorer.

While the Celtics haven’t been great shooting as a team, Kyrie hasn’t been afraid of finding the open man, totaling double digit assist opportunities nightly.

Even more inspiring than Kyrie’s renewed emphasis on playmaking has been his extra effort defensively. Kyrie has displayed active hands and a willingness to play the full 48 minutes at both ends of the floor, which is something his critics have always picked on.

It’s showing in the box scores, too, as his defensive box plus/minus is a career high 1.6, far and away better than his career average of -1.3.

Kyrie is a player who will become invaluable when the Celtics inevitably turn the season around and head to the playoffs. Just ask LeBron James or the Golden State Warriors how good Kyrie can be in May and June. The Celtics should be extremely thankful to have him.