Joe Mazzulla Says Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis Are ‘Willing To Wear Many Different Hats'

Joe Mazzulla discussed the many elements that the Boston Celtics' two new stars have added.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics continue to roll, finishing off a dominant West Coast trip at 3-1. Winning both games in LA, they took down the rival Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, 126-115.

All five of Boston's starters recorded 18 points or more, as Kristaps Porzingis had a monster 28 points and 11 rebounds on 11-19 shooting. Jayson Tatum had 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. 

The Celtics connectivity on both ends, especially in the third quarter, helped them take over the contest and put up a sizable lead over the Lakers. Boston's connectedness and execution have lately been making them look like a dominant force like never before, as if they are in a league of their own.

Jrue Holiday's comfort and aggression within the offense have only grown by the game, with him making his presence known on that end more. He has been looking to get his more often, averaging 19.7 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and a steal on 62.9 percent from the field and 64.7 percent from three as a plus-54 in his last three games.

Joe Mazzulla dove into what it has been like having Holiday and Porzingis aboard as Celtics thus far.

"They have an understanding of what we're trying to accomplish, and they're willing to wear many different hats," Mazzulla said of his two new stars. "They both have been one of the focal points on their team, and I think them coming in and working together with the guys that have already been here about understanding the dynamic of when talent has to play together, each guy has to reinvent themselves a little bit."

Mazzulla described examples of their new actions here with the Celtics' core.

"You're seeing Jrue reinvent his game as far as playing off the ball, playing when the matchup is on him, and being involved," he said. "Different defensive scheme, you're seeing KP just kind of reinvent himself as far as how he's, you know, we play a different style of offense with him; he's not getting the off-ball actions that he was. You're seeing our other guys reinvent themselves, and everybody's got to reinvent. They were willing to do it, and our team is, so we just got to keep that up."

The Celtics will look to keep up their superior play when they take on the Detroit Pistons back home on Thursday night.

Further Reading

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

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

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'