Inside The Celtics

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

The Celtics are embracing an offensive identity fueling individual and collective growth while showing how much room there is for ascension.

Bobby Krivitsky

Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
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Wednesday night in the California state capital, the Boston Celtics steamrolled the Sacramento Kings, 144-119. They had five players register at least 20 points.

Saturday, they improved to 2-1 on their four-game West Coast trip, cruising past the Los Angeles Clippers, 145-108.

Jayson Tatum paced all participants with 30 points, Jaylen Brown scored 24, and Jrue Holiday put 20 on the board, combining for 74.

The latter's registered at least 20 in back-to-back contests after not doing so once before these last two tilts.

The visitors, who led by as much as 39 on Saturday, had six players score over ten points.

Consistently contesting shots, limiting the hosts to 11/34 (32.4 percent) shooting from beyond the arc, operating up-tempo, and repeatedly driving and kicking to create quality, in-rhythm attempts combined to contribute to Boston assisting on 33/49 field goals and making 25 threes on 47.2 percent efficiency while hoisting 53 long-range looks.

Parlaying 15 offensive rebounds into a 23-8 advantage in second-chance points and only turning the ball over twice after halftime also helped fuel this dominant victory.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla refused to call this a "statement win" but praised the Celtics for their offensive approach.

"I do not consider it a statement win; I consider it a win," said Boston's bench boss." I consider it an opportunity where we played well and an opportunity to figure out where we didn't play well. We left a lot on the table as far as our execution and the things we want to accomplish, so I do not consider it a statement win."

The Celtics have scored 289 combined points in their last two games despite both ending in regulation and the starters resting for most of the final frame.

When asked if this is the best his team's playing on offense in the last week or so, the second-year head coach answered in the affirmative.

"I think so. I don't think it's because of the points. I think it's because of the execution. I do like the fact that we're developing a fast-paced identity and not turning it over. I think, at times, in the past, we've played fast but have turned it over, so we're finding a good balance of pace and execution, which I think is important.

"But it's not because of the points. I've just liked our execution. We're recognizing coverages faster. Sometimes, it takes until a timeout to recognize it. So, recognizing the coverage faster, and we're changing our screening recognition versus that, and I think that's a huge key for us."

Further Reading

Here's What Stood Out as the Celtics Steamrolled the Clippers

Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign

Kristaps Porzingis Praises Celtics' Offensive Approach in Win vs. Kings: 'Keep Evolving'

After Stinging Loss to Warriors, Boston, Back to 'Celtics' Basketball,' Blowout Kings

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

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'

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'

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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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