What's changed for Celtics during hot streak? Jayson Tatum gives his take

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The Boston Celtics weren't meeting expectations over the first two-plus months of the season, but they've looked like a completely different team since the calendar flipped to 2022.

The Celtics' 21 wins are tied for the second-most in the NBA since Jan. 1. They also lead the league with a 11.7 net rating and a 102.7 defensive rating over that span.

Boston's latest win came Thursday night at TD Garden. Led by Jayson Tatum's 37 points -- 21 of which came in the fourth quarter -- the C's defeated Ja Morant and the third-place Memphis Grizzlies 120-107. 

Tatum reacts to his epic matchup vs. Morant in Celtics' big win

What's been the key to the Celtics' recent resurgence?

“We went through some growing pains -- new team, new staff, things like that," Tatum told reporters after Thursday's victory.

"Dealing with COVID, guys were injured. I didn’t hit any shots. Guys stopped getting COVID, we got healthy, and I started making some shots. And we’ve really been playing just a lot better as a unit because we’ve just had more time together, honestly.”

Tatum has been on fire in the New Year, averaging 26.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His improvement at both ends of the floor has been a huge catalyst for Boston's turnaround.

The primary driver of the Celtics' rise has arguably been health. So many players were injured or battled COVID-19 earlier in the season. It was rare for the Celtics to have their full starting five over the first three months of the campaign. Starting center Robert Williams staying healthy and being a regular presence in the lineup has taken Boston's defense up several levels.

The Celtics have been mostly healthy since the start of January, although the last couple games have seen Jaylen Brown and Aaron Nesmith suffer ankle injuries. Boston, when healthy (or very close to it) has the talent and depth to compete against anyone in the Eastern Conference. This is why there's so much optimism surrounding this team right now. If healthy, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Celtics win multiple rounds in the upcoming playoffs.

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