Joe Mazzulla Shares the 3 Traits Giving Him '1,000% Faith' in Celtics' Entire Roster

Playing without Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, the Celtics got contributions up and down their roster in their 120-118 win vs. the Raptors.

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On Friday, the Boston Celtics took a 120-118 win over the Toronto Raptors. They are on a five-game winning streak.

Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford did not play. Tatum and Porzingis were nursing day-to-day injuries, while Horford was on load management.

As a result of the absences, Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet were inserted into Boston’s starting lineup. Kornet totaled 20 points and eight rebounds, while Hauser registered nine points and nine rebounds.

Per Inside The Celtics, Joe Mazzulla expressed trust in his team.

"No matter the lineup, we have small things we can go to," said Boston's second-year bench boss. "We have guys that are willing to step up. We have guys that understand it's about execution, it's about effort, and it's about toughness. I've got 1,000 percent faith in the entire locker room. I told them before the game, 'I don't care who's in, who's out, who we're playing. It doesn't matter.' I know because of the DNA of the locker room, we've got a chance."

The head coach commented on what contributed to the Raptor’s late-game momentum.

“That team does a great job of creating momentum plays, so we let go of the rope a little bit. They went on an 18-3 run. All that is stuff that you’d be willing to give up at times. Schroder threes. McDaniels threes… 16 turnovers is what kept them in on that end. The poise to be able to execute is what we’re looking to build.”

Boston's next game is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 31, against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center; tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. EST. 

Further Reading

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Jayson Tatum's Selflessness vs. Lakers Exemplifies Celtics' Maturation: 'Hopefully, It's Gonna Pay Off'

Celtics' Offensive Approach Outweighs Three-Point Struggles in Christmas Victory vs. Lakers

Jrue Holiday Discusses Celtics' Christmas Win vs. Lakers and What Set the Tone for 3-1 West Coast Trip

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

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

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