Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford pinpoint what matters most about Celtics' season

To many on the outside, the expectation entering this season is that it would be a gap year for the Boston Celtics. However, as Sam Cassell recently explained, those within the organization didn't share that sentiment.

Al Horford, who was there for much of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's journey, including a heartbreaking defeat in the Finals, and when they finally reached the NBA's mountaintop, knows the franchise and those within it too well to have been caught off guard by the season they're having.

Speaking before a 121-110 loss to his former team, Horford spotlighted the work Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff have done to help foster growth throughout Boston's roster and maximize his personnel.

"The biggest thing is that everybody's bought into what Joe is telling them, and he's just running a really good program over there," said Horford. "Him and all those assistant coaches, they're really doing a good job getting the guys ready, getting them to commit and play at a high level, and that's why I feel like it's so smooth."

And while Kristaps Porzingis wasn't with the Celtics for as long, his two-year tenure made it clear what is at the heart of Boston's expectation-defying season.

"Like everybody, I thought, like, a little bit less expectations, not gonna be that good this year, dah, dah, dah. Like some of the most pessimistic ones were like, 'Ah, it's a lottery team,' said Porzingis before making his Warriors debut against a team that he helped break through to banner 18.

"I never thought that. Even in our years, also, whenever somebody was out, just, it's like the culture that they already have there, it's like, it's not gonna just disappear. Even if you maybe don't have the JT talent, but still, JB [is] there, leading the group, D. White, Payton, like these guys, these guys are elite players, so I knew they were going to be good. Maybe not, first, second seed, but yeah, I mean Joe and that crew is top."

The power of an elite infrastructure

Now, the Celtics have returned from the All-Star break in second in the Eastern Conference standings. In their first game back, they handed the Golden State Warriors a 121-110 loss, controlling the majority of the matchup. They led by as much as 34.

It has become clear to all that this team is a legitimate contender in the East. Boston might also not be far away from getting Jayson Tatum back to help with its championship aspirations.

However, from the relentless nature with which he's attacking his rehab to the growth of players throughout the roster, what the Celtics are demonstrating is an exemplary display of what it means to be an elite organization. It speaks to the power of an infrastructure that absorbed significant hits and, rather than regressing, has continued to help those within it become their best self.

It's a franchise that places a premium on its culture. As Porzingis said, that's at the core of why, despite the departures of players like him, Horford, and Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles, Boston hasn't buckled; instead, it remains in the championship conversation.