Joe Mazzulla Discusses Celtics' Identity Heading Into Playoffs

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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On Sunday, the Boston Celtics picked up a 132-122 win over the Washington Wizards. Boston ends the regular season with a 64-18 record. 

Per Inside The Celtics, head coach Joe Mazzulla believes his team is entering the playoffs with a distinct identity.

"Absolutely. I think there's a clear identity for that. We know exactly who we are on both sides of the ball, and (we) also know we have the depth and the open-mindedness to adapt when necessary. The most important thing heading into a situation is having no expectations."

Mazzulla explained that the path to an NBA championship has looked different for various franchises. 

“You study teams who were fortunate enough to get to a Finals, if not win it. The road there is always forgotten by the result of winning. It looks different every year. There are teams that have had multiple Game 7s. There is a team that has only lost one game. There’s a team that’s had to come down from 3-2… It takes what it takes."

With the Celtics holding the top seed in the Eastern Conference, their first-round opponent will be determined by the Play-In Tournament. 

Further Reading

Payton Pritchard Prepared for Any Playoff Role: 'Here to Win a Championship'

After Career Night, Reflective Payton Pritchard Discusses NBA Journey and His Ultimate Pursuit

'Nip That in the Bud': Celtics Address End-of-Season Struggles

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Aiming to Maximize Championship Window, Celtics Extend Jrue Holiday

Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'


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Eric Jay Santos
ERIC JAY SANTOS

Eric Jay Santos covers the Boston Celtics for Sports Illustrated Media Group. He holds a BA in English from Bridgewater State University. Contact: ericjaysantos@msn.com