Inside The Celtics

Joe Mazzulla Assesses Celtics' Collapse vs. Warriors: 'Played with Great Purpose'

Entering overtime, the Celtics hadn't trailed since late in the second quarter. But they couldn't close out a loss to the Warriors reminiscent of the 2022 NBA Finals.

Bobby Krivitsky

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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When the Boston Celtics visited the Chase Center last season, they got punked in a 123-107 loss. There were far more positives this go around as they built on what they did well in their 5-0 homestand before departing for the West Coast.

But again, they took on the role of little brother, with the Golden State Warriors outscoring them 62-39 from the 4:50 mark in the third quarter through the final buzzer in overtime.

There was misfortune on misses at the rim and clean looks from beyond the arc, but nursing an 11-point lead entering the final frame, Boston got burned for playing not to lose.

The Celtics didn't push the pace as consistently and were less aggressive than they were in the first 36 minutes. And with shots not falling, the hosts were often playing in transition.

Between that and terrible pick-and-roll defense by the visitors, Golden State outscored them 24-6 in the paint in the fourth quarter and overtime. 

They, namely Stephen Curry, also found their rhythm from three-point range. The two-time MVP, who had 13 points entering the last 12 minutes of regulation, finished with a game-high 33.

After the 132-126 loss, Joe Mazzulla shared his assessment of Boston's offense, as his team couldn't close after not trailing since the 2:45 mark in the second frame.

"I did like it. We missed 20 threes, I mean 20 layups in that game. And 41 threes (a franchise record)," voiced the Celtics' bench boss.

"And they went on their run in the non-Curry minutes; they did a good job of getting offensive rebounds (and) playing in transition. And when you play against a team like that, as much as you focus on their stars, the margins are important. 

"And so, we lost the lead with transition (and) some offensive rebounds, and then I thought we got great looks the entire night and just didn't make them."

Further Reading

Shades of 2022 Finals as Celtics Can't Close vs. Warriors

Celtics Expected to be Active in the Buyout Market

Celtics Have Reportedly Shown 'Great Interest' in Pistons' Center

Jaylen Brown Discusses Growing Leadership Role with Celtics: 'I've Embraced That'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

Celtics Utilize Speed Advantage in Run Away Win vs. Magic: 'It Makes the Game Easier'

Derrick White Praises Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Impact That 'Doesn't Show Up on the Stat Sheet'

Jayson Tatum Praises Kristaps Porzingis for Allowing Celtics to Spin the Dial Defensively

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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