Marcus Smart Defends Joe Mazzulla's Strategy After Game 1 Loss to Miami Heat

The Celtics did not utilize a timeout in a third quarter they got outscored 46-25.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics fell short in the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals, suffering a 123-116 loss to the Miami Heat. Fingers are being pointed at the franchise’s head coach Joe Mazzulla.

The Celtics led by nine points at halftime but were then outscored 46-25 in the third frame. Despite the period's lopsided nature, Mazzulla opted against using a timeout.

After the game, the first-year head coach explained that using two timeouts in the first quarter caused him to manage the remaining ones conservatively.

Starting point guard Marcus Smart defended Mazzulla’s timeout usage.

“Joe is real big on a lot of times not bailing us out on stuff when we’re playing like (expletive),” Smart said via NBC Sports Boston. “So, we’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror. Joe can call a timeout, and then what? We come out and do the same thing? It’s on us.”

Smart reiterated that it’s the players’ job to improve their performance.

“Joe and his coaching staff, they put in a lot of work to come up with a game plan and put us in the right spots to succeed, but they’re not out there playing,” Smart said. “We’ve got to come together, and we’ve got to start helping each other out on both ends.”

Mazzulla will look to alter his game plan against Miami’s Erik Spoelstra, who’s been part of the Heat’s coaching staff since 1997.

Game 2 of the Celtics-Heat series is set for Friday night at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Further Reading

Celtics Address 'Letting Go of the Rope' After Game 1 Loss to Heat

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Loss: Heat's Third-Quarter Haymaker Propels Them to 1-0 Lead

Malcolm Brogdon Opens Up About Sacrificing as Celtics' Sixth Man: 'It’s Not Easy; It Really Isn’t'

NBA Draft Lottery Yields Unfavorable Result for Celtics

With Defense Key to Celtics Staying a Step Ahead of Heat, Joe Mazzulla Confirms Robert Williams Sticking in Starting Lineup

The Celtics are Motivated to Win a Championship for Al Horford, 'The Guy We've Followed All Season''

Jayson Tatum Discusses His Relationship with Celtics Fans: 'I Love Being Here'

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