The Boston Celtics have surged into second in the Eastern Conference standings. In what many projected as a gap year, they continue to defy expectations.
While those on the outside applaud them, internally, the standard hasn't changed. The Celtics are far from satisfied.
"I take a lot of pride in being first in the East, and we still need some work to get to that point. So that's the main goal," declared Payton Pritchard after Boston's 115-101 win over the Chicago Bulls.
It was a victory that spoke volumes about this team. They had just returned from the West Coast, completing their longest road trip this season.