Steve Kerr gave the Boston Celtics their flowers after watching his Golden State Warriors suffer a 121-110 loss on Thursday.
The Celtics put on a show at the Chase Center, shooting 52 percent from the floor. Boston dominated more than the final score suggested, leading by 29 after three quarters.
Kerr commended the Celtics and head coach Joe Mazzulla in his post-game press conference.
"I thought Boston was incredible," Kerr said. "They're having an amazing season, and they're a machine right now. They've done such a good job of -- their staff has done such a good job with Joe and the group.
"They've got the continuity, but given the departures and the injuries, it’s remarkable what they've done. They just put on a clinic those first three quarters."
Jaylen Brown continued his MVP-caliber season by registering 23 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. Payton Pritchard scored a team-high 26 points off the bench, adding seven boards and six assists in 33 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Celtics opposed two of their offseason departures on Thursday. Al Horford grabbed eight rebounds, and Kristaps Porzingis scored 12 points in his Warriors debut.
"I thought he looked good," Kerr said of Porzingis. "It's never easy going to a new team and just having just one practice and playing, but you can see his talent, his feel for the game, his ability to space the floor, check the rim. It's good to have him on our team. That's for sure."
The Celtics continue to excel without Jayson Tatum, improving to 36-19 with their latest victory. Golden State, on the other hand, dropped to 29-27 after losing four of the last six games without Stephen Curry.
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