Hot-blooded Sam Hauser sets Celtics' 3-point record in victory over Bulls Originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
How the Boston Celtics won nine straight games and 13 of their last 15 games despite routinely being without at least one member of their starting five during that span Did you do that?
Sam Hauser certainly factors into the equation.
The 26-year-old sharpshooter started at Chicago on Saturday night in the absence of Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and responded by making 7 of 8 3-pointers as Boston He scored 23 points in a 124-113 victory over the Bulls.
Hauser's strong performance followed him on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, where he made 4 of 11 long-range shots against the Washington Wizards, his first game back from an ankle injury — this game. He made 10 3-pointers, just shy of the franchise record. 13 attempts.
Hauser has made a total of 21 3-pointers over the past three contests, more than teammate Jayson Tatum (19 in January). Most in franchise history over a three-game period.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula said of Hauser after the win, “I think he was just relieved to know his teammates were looking for him.” “If you look at most of his threes, they're really great passes, well-timed passes that lead to his shots. So he knows he's going to be open, and he's making players I think there's a sense of security in knowing that the others are going to see him.”
Hauser has been on a roll since the All-Star break, hitting 43.9 percent from 3-point range this season, which ranks fifth in the NBA. He has made 53.5 percent (46 of 86) on threes over that span, which ranks among the world. beginning Among players with at least 30 attempts in the NBA.
Having the seventh or eighth member of the rotation be one of the best 3-point shooters in the league is an incredible luxury for the Celtics. And while the playoffs will be the ultimate test for the third-year pro, he has delivered solid results throughout the regular season, helping Boston maintain a firm grip on first place in the Eastern Conference standings.
“We live for this moment,” Hauser said after the game. “When you have a player down with an injury, you get a chance to show what you're capable of on a big stage, and you can use that experience to grow as a competitor.
“In those types of games, it just motivates me to show what I can do and show the coaches, “If you throw me in a certain game in the playoffs, I'm ready.'' ”
