Porzingis: Celtics trying to rediscover 'killer instinct'

The Boston Celtics got a bounce-back win Saturday over the Dallas Mavericks following an embarrassing 21-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers two nights prior.

Kristaps Porzingis admits the Celtics have had trouble finding motivation this season but is hopeful they can build on their inspired showing against the defending West champs.

"We're definitely working towards getting our killer instinct back," Porzingis told reporters postgame, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "We want to have that. Some moments we've looked really good, some moments not so good. Some moments we've cruised a little bit."

Boston's had its share of lackluster performances over the past few weeks, nearly blowing a five-point lead in the final 22 seconds of a narrow 120-119 victory Jan. 12 over the lowly New Orleans Pelicans.

The Celtics also suffered a 13-point loss to the Toronto Raptors and needed overtime last Wednesday to beat a Los Angeles Clippers squad that was missing four starters.

Boston hasn't won more than three straight games since late November, but Jaylen Brown believes it's only a matter of time until the team gets hot.

"You just keep working. It's coming," Brown said. "You got to keep fighting if you want to be what you say you want to be, got to be tested, and you got to pass those tests and be worthy of it. It's been hard. Shots are not going in. It's looked a little bit ugly at times. Our offense has been a little bit (off). The energy hasn't been flowing the way it's used to, but that's all right.

"Just keep your mind, you keep your spirit lifted, you keep your teammates' spirit lifted, and you come out and you play basketball, the tide will turn."