The Boston Celtics have traded away their two best players and numerous other key pieces this season as they acquire future assets to help their rebuilding effort and improve their draft position, but after a successful February, Boston finds themselves fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
"I'm sorry," forward Jae Crowder said. "I apologize to Danny (Ainge) right now if that's what they're trying to do. But I'm a winner. He brought me here. I like to win games. I'm a basketball player. I don't know how to just lay down and lose."
The surge coincides with the Celtics acquisition of point guard Isaiah Thomas, who head coach Brad Stevens praised after Boston's comeback win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.
"I think what he does is he exudes a fearlessness and an ability to get into the paint," Stevens said. "And he makes their shots easier. They're a little bit more open because of his ability to get to the rim. And that's huge. There's no question about it. But it's a two-way street. Isaiah's ability to finish was helped by who was standing out there with him."
"I don't know if it's fair to say how much we've regressed or progressed because we've only been together for a week. We've found a lineup that in the last two games has been very good in the fourth quarter twice in a row. But like I said, I've felt better about our team and our approach all year."
Boston is tied with three teams for ninth place in the East and are just a half-game out of eighth and final playoff spot.
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