Patience pays dividends for Kyrie

CELTICS NOTEBOOK

Kyrie Irving has talked often this season of the difference in his role as a Celtic from seasons past in Cleveland.

And after just missing a triple double with 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in last night’s 91-84 win over Minnesota, Irving sounds like his first year as a Celtic has put the rest of his career in great perspective.

“Man, when I actually kind of had a chance to slow down and realize that patience was going to get me through these long NBA seasons. I can’t necessarily pinpoint a specific point, but for me this season has been a learning experience to be able to do that,” he said. “The expectations that were brought forth on this season, that were brought forth on myself, expectations that I had, if I didn’t have that patience, then I probably would have lost it.

“And I can’t lose it. And I refuse to, I’m just too strong internally and mentally to do that. And then the talent on the court will do itself, as long as I put the work in every single day. So there are a lot of aspects of the game of basketball that are considered and are not considered, they are individually kind of figured out at that time, and I’m just on my journey. That being said, it just took some time to figure it out.

“It was going to be a different role anyway that I was going to have to figure out. I definitely probably have a little more, I don’t want to say wiggle room, but throughout the game, you’re just able to kind of manage it a little better in the role that I’m presented here. That’s all.”

Horford hurting

Al Horford doesn’t know how, but the C’s center came up with a sore left knee in the second quarter. He returned and played with a brace in the second half, and barring something unforeseen when he wakes up this morning, plans to play tonight in Brooklyn.

“I’m not sure. I got back here and they assessed that everything seemed stable, but we really don’t know,” he said. “It wasn’t too serious because I was able to get back out there, so the thing for me is to see how I feel in the morning. I don’t remember banging it, that’s the thing. I feel good about playing (tonight).”

Rookie props

Of all the accomplishments in his first half-season, there’s something about Jayson Tatum that’s easy to overlook, according to his coach. Brad Stevens’ congratulatory words for Tatum after being named the NBA’s Eastern Conference rookie of the month for December were telling.

“I sent him a text that there’s a lot of things that can derail forward progress, and he earned that,” Stevens said. “At the end of the day, though, it’s continuing to do all the great things he’s doing — because he’s consistent. And that’s why he got it, because he’s played well and he’s consistent. It’s hard to do that at any age, but he’s 19 so there’s a great opportunity now to respond to that nice reward.”

The Celtics played their 42nd game last night — the most of any team in the league — and the fact Tatum has played more games than any other rookie, while managing to play at a high level, indicates he may not hit the dreaded rookie wall. Especially now that the schedule is about to slow down.

“I feel fine right now. Our medical team is staying on top of that with everybody, so I feel pretty good,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think it’d be like this, because you hear so many stories about how rookies struggle on losing teams. So coming into the draft I figured it’d be like that.”

Shackled by minutes

Marcus Morris, still part of an on-and-off rest program for his sore left knee, missed his 22nd game. Stevens understands how frustrating the process can be, especially for a player who has played well in his limited time.

“Not as challenging for me because I have it mapped out when he’s going to go in,” said Stevens, “unless it’s a really unique circumstance like the other day when he had played 19 or 20 and we had five minutes left in the game. I actually asked (trainer) Art (Horne) would he benefit from playing two or three more minutes from a conditioning standpoint and he said yes.

“It is hard as a player. That’s why you hear a lot of players say how frustrating it is to be on a minutes restriction. It’s not a selfish thing by any means. When you get into a rhythm and the adrenaline takes over, you’re not thinking three months from now, you’re thinking about that moment when you feel really good. But hopefully this is a good process and the restrictions will be lifted soon.”