Joe Mazzulla Praises Celtics’ Second Unit After Stepping Up vs. Rockets: 'Why You Believe in Them'
The Boston Celtics got a bounce-back win in Houston over the Rockets to begin their back-to-back Texas road trip.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way with one of his most dominant outings as a Celtic, recording 32 points, six rebounds, and five blocks. His 6-11 shooting from distance was the most he had made since opening night, making him the 10th player in NBA history to record six threes and five blocks.
Derrick White has also returned to his normal prowess with another 21 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, and Jaylen Brown had the third triple-double of his career with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Sam Hauser received the start with Jrue Holiday out and Al Horford getting his usual rest as he was also big on the shooting front, knocking in three triples.
The Celtics' bench combined for 23 points between Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet's tough play on the interior with a near double-double, and Oshae Brissett's great minutes again.
Joe Mazzulla praised Boston's second unit for stepping up for the shorthanded visitors in Sunday's win.
"Oshae, Luke, Payton, Sam, that unit, to me, that's why you put so much stock into them; that's why you believe in them," Mazzulla said. "They have to help you win games like that. It's a long year; there's gonna be nights when you're not at your best, but those guys brought it."
Further Reading
JD Davison Shares Message to Jordan Walsh Before Rookie's NBA Debut
Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'