Mutual Respect Between Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra And Boston Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Despite Experience Gap
The consensus edge for the Eastern Conference finals is coaching.
Many are already considering the Boston Celtics at a disadvantage because of the Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra. He is chasing his sixth NBA Finals appearance while Boston's Joe Mazzulla is coaching his first season.
Still, the Celtics have plenty faith in their coach
“It’s definitely going to be a challenge for Joe, but I think he’s going to handle it well," Celtics forward Jaylen Brown said. "He’s handled it well all season. He’s been scrutinized, but he’s done a good job. He is a rookie coach, but he’s taken a championship caliber team and now we’re back in the Eastern Conference Finals. He deserves some credit for that."
Mazzulla was thrust into his role at the beginning of the season when the Celtics fired Ime Udoka for improper conduct. Now, Mazzulla finds himself up against one of the top coaches in NBA history.
“Just understanding when it’s time to adjust and what to adjust to," Mazzulla said of facing Spoelstra. "You have to, against this team, know exactly what’s hurting you. As good as they are at adjusting, they’re just as good winning in the margins at the little things. So, if we don’t get back in transition, if we don’t value the basketball, if we don’t play defense without fouling then adjustments aren’t going to matter.”
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