Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla delivered one of the most memorable quotes of the postseason on Wednesday night, expressing admiration for Kristaps Porzingis’ toughness following a physical win over the Orlando Magic.
Mazzulla’s comment, “I like watching him bleed,” came after the 7-footer sustained a facial cut for the second time in recent weeks and returned to finish with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics outlasted the Magic in a slugfest that tested both teams’ physical limits, with Boston pulling ahead late despite the absence of Jayson Tatum.
Porzingis briefly exited in the second half after taking an elbow to the face but returned shortly after receiving stitches.
“He came back and helped us finish it off,” Mazzulla said postgame, noting the significance of Porzingis’ presence in late-game situations.
Mazzulla emphasized the value Porzingis brings on both ends, calling him a vital part of Boston’s defensive identity and offensive spacing.
When asked to elaborate on his gritty performance, Mazzulla highlighted the Latvian center’s mental strength and composure under pressure.
“He just has a great way about him,” Mazzulla said. “He can control his environment really well… he comes back in and does his job.”
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, stepping up in Tatum’s absence and dominating the third quarter.
Mazzulla praised Brown’s “warrior mentality,” saying the All-Star forward had told him the night before he would do “whatever it takes to win.”
Despite shooting struggles, Boston excelled in key areas such as offensive rebounding and free throws, which Mazzulla credited to team discipline and execution.
The Celtics now lead the first-round series 2-0, with the next game scheduled for Tuesday in Orlando.
Mazzulla said he expects a strong response from the Magic, calling their home court “a tough environment where they play really well.”
He downplayed the team’s reactions to the game’s physicality, stating that Boston is focused solely on “executing, being tough, and doing it together.”
Porzingis, acquired by Boston in a trade last summer, has become a central figure in the team’s postseason identity, particularly in games that demand physical resilience.
His repeated return from injuries and physical contact has not gone unnoticed by his coach, who sees value in his presence beyond the box score.
“That stuff matters,” Mazzulla said. “It sends a message.”
