Yet another sign on Friday night that these Celtics may be even better and more focused than last year’s 66-win, NBA-champion group. The C’s came in after an 8 p.m. game the night before in Washington and had to battle the talented New Orleans Hornets, with James Posey making his return and collecting his ring. After circling at midcourt and doing Ubuntu one more time with the man Doc Rivers said understood it as well as anyone, the Celtics went out and won their 14th straight, matching their longest since March-April 1986. Rajon Rondo didn’t have his finest game but Paul Pierce more than picked up the slack with 28 points. Even Pose had to concede that this team may be even better than last year’s group.

James Posey said the Celtics know each other now.

Posey was touched by the Celtics’ pregame tribute to him at midcourt.

Paul Pierce said it was nice to see Posey get his ring.

Pierce on winning this game in a back-to-back situation.

Pierce said the streak is nice but there’s work to be done.

Tony Allen on reuniting with Posey.

Doc Rivers on facing Posey for the first time.

Doc Rivers said the win was a struggle.