The Boston Celtics’ recent surge in form, boasting nine consecutive wins and 13 victories in their last 15 outings, despite facing consistent absences within their starting lineup, prompts a question: What’s the secret to their success?
In Saturday night’s showdown against the Chicago Bulls, the 26-year-old sharpshooter took center stage, stepping up to fill the void left by sidelined stars Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday. Hauser’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, sinking an impressive 7 of 8 shots from beyond the arc to tally 23 points, contributing significantly to Boston’s commanding 124-113 triumph over the Bulls.
This stellar display followed a solid showing on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, where Hauser, in his return from an ankle injury sustained against the Washington Wizards, knocked down 4 of 11 attempts from long range. Notably, in that game, he narrowly missed setting a franchise record with 10 three-pointers out of 13 attempts.
In a remarkable three-game stretch, Hauser has amassed a staggering 21 three-pointers, eclipsing his teammate Jayson Tatum’s previous franchise record of 19 set in January.
Reflecting on Hauser’s performance, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the comfort and confidence Hauser exudes on the court, attributing his success to the seamless teamwork and precise passes from his teammates, which enable him to find open looks from beyond the arc.
Hauser’s shooting prowess has been a game-changer for the Celtics, boasting a remarkable 43.9 percent accuracy from three-point territory this season, ranking him fifth in the league. Since the All-Star break, his scorching form has been unparalleled, shooting an astounding 53.5 percent from downtown, leading the NBA among players with at least 30 attempts.
For the Celtics, having Hauser as a vital contributor off the bench, possessing one of the league’s premier three-point shooters, is an invaluable asset. As they gear up for the playoffs, Hauser’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations during the regular season underscores his potential impact in postseason play.
Speaking after the game, Hauser expressed his readiness to seize the opportunity when called upon, especially in the absence of key players due to injury. His competitive spirit fuels his motivation to showcase his skills on the grand stage, demonstrating his readiness to step up when the stakes are high.
As the regular season winds down and the playoffs loom ahead, Hauser’s consistent performances serve as a testament to his readiness to make a significant impact when it matters most, solidifying his role as a valuable asset for the Celtics’ postseason aspirations.
