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9 notes and observations from the Celtics’ win over the Mavericks

Celtics shooting guard Marcus Smart had a feeling this team might surprise people.

“We just stayed back, kept quiet, and kept working,” Smart said after the group’s latest victory, their eighth straight. “We couldn’t wait for this season to tip off so we could show everybody.”

Boston edged the Dallas Mavericks Monday night to improve their league-best record to 8-1. The Celtics maintained a lead for the entirety of the first half before the Mavs took their first lead of the game midway through the fourth quarter. The late push fell short, however, as Kemba Walker rattled off nine points in an 80-second span to secure the 116-106 win.