The Boston Celtics continued their winning streak, securing their fourth consecutive victory and clinching the first playoff spot of the season with a commanding 127-112 win against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. However, it was a defensive move by their head coach, Joe Mazzulla, that stole the spotlight in the final moments of the game.
In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Jaylen Brown intercepted a pass from Grayson Allen and punctuated the win with a powerful slam dunk, prompting a timeout. As both teams retreated to their benches, Suns forward Royce O’Neale attempted a three-point shot, a common practice during breaks in play.
However, Mazzulla intervened with a strong defensive contest, disrupting O’Neale’s attempt, which ultimately missed the mark.
Reflecting on his defensive effort after the game, Mazzulla explained, “I noticed a player attempting a shot who hadn’t found success previously, and I didn’t want him to gain confidence heading back to his bench. It’s a rule we enforce on our bench – opposing players refrain from shooting in front of our bench to maintain our team’s focus. If I expect our players to contest shots, our coaching staff must set the same standard.”
Coach Joe Mazzulla proactive approach garnered attention, with his players acknowledging his commitment to team standards. Jayson Tatum commented, “That’s just Joe being Joe. It wasn’t surprising to see him take action. We appreciate Joe’s dedication to upholding team principles.”
While players blocking shots during stoppages is common, Mazzulla’s involvement underscores his dedication to maintaining the team’s competitive mindset.
The Celtics boast the league’s second-best defence this season, conceding only 110.4 points per 100 possessions, contributing significantly to their impressive 52-14 record. If Mazzulla’s interventions contribute to sustaining their defensive prowess, it bodes well for the team’s continued success.
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