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Boston Celtics: 3 reasons for optimism after first month of the season

By Rudi Richards

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 23: Jayson Tatum #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrate after scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at TD Garden on December 23, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 23: Jayson Tatum #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrate after scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at TD Garden on December 23, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. Kemba Walker looks like he hasn’t missed a step for the Boston Celtics

Kemba Walker’s injury troubles have had to be the Celtics’ biggest worry over the few months. His left knee was causing him issues during last season and became a big deal after the resumption of the 2019-20 season. Since then, Kemba has had a stem-cell injection. The five-time All-Star missed the opening part of the season as he worked his way back to the court.

Since returning, Kemba has featured in three games. He was on a tight minutes restriction in the first two, as his time on the floor increased to 29 minutes in Boston’s second game of two against Philadelphia. In the first game with Philly, Kemba looked like he was in mid-season form as he blew past defenders, split men, and got his guys to the basket with ease. It looked probable that the Celtics would go on to win that game if Kemba had stayed in the game.

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He finished the night with 19 points, six assists and just the 22 minutes logged. Kemba had a similar statistical influence in the second Sixers game as he dropped another 19 in a game where the Celtics as a whole ran out of steam. Walker had an efficient night against the Cavaliers on Sunday, ending the night with 21 points on 58.3 percent shooting and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. He’s looked fresh coming back into the fold, and that’s a promising thing for Celtics at this moment of the season.

What’s optimistic about these games though is Walker looking as if he hadn’t missed a step. That flair, that explosiveness remains. And the minute restrictions are there and should continue to be there to protect that. A 100 percent Kemba Walker is one of the most elusive offensive weapons a team can have, especially come crunch time. This Celtics team has looked raw, but very talented without Kemba. But, with him, these younger guys you have coming off the bench will learn from his leadership and get better with his ability to lift others’ performances with his.

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