Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke to reporters ahead of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, emphasizing flexibility, discipline, and perspective as key pillars entering the next round.
Fresh off a 4-1 series win over Orlando, Mazzulla downplayed any perceived advantages Boston holds, saying, “To me, the series is at 0–0.”
Despite Boston’s regular-season sweep of New York, Mazzulla cautioned against buying into praise, calling it “as dangerous as criticism” and stressing the need to execute fundamentals like rebounding and defending without fouling.
When asked about the physicality the Celtics experienced in their previous series, Mazzulla noted each opponent presents unique challenges, stating, “It’s just a balance of executing, giving each game what it needs.”
High-ball pressure played a key role in containing Orlando, but Mazzulla declined to label it a set tactic, explaining it’s “just another way to impact the game.”
He added, “Every game and series is different, so we just have to be ready to give the game and the series what it needs.”
On defending Jalen Brunson, Mazzulla emphasized collective effort and controlling what can be managed.
“You have to be able to defend them as a team,” he said. “When you’re playing against guys like that, even the things that you can control are even more important.”
Though Boston’s rotation was tight in the first round, the head coach left the door open for changes, pointing to how the team frequently adjusted its substitution patterns throughout the season.
Mazzulla emphasized flexibility, referencing recent playoff adjustments that included starting Luke Kornet in one game and Payton Pritchard in another.
Asked about Jrue Holiday winning the NBA Sportsmanship Award, Mazzulla praised the veteran guard’s consistency and humility.
“He gives the game what it needs, gives his family what it needs, gives the community what it needs,” Mazzulla said. “That’s showing up every day.”
Mazzulla also reflected on Gregg Popovich’s retirement, highlighting the legacy left by former Spurs players.
“It’s even more important than what goes on now,” Mazzulla said. “What his former players say about him years later—that’s a testament to who he was.”
Perspective, Mazzulla reiterated, remains essential—especially in postseason play.
“Very few times does plan A actually work,” he said. “So it’s more about how quickly can you get to what makes the most sense.”
The Celtics now await Game 7 between New York and Detroit, with the winner advancing to face Boston at TD Garden.
Regardless of the opponent, Mazzulla made one thing clear: “Have no expectations about how it’s going to go. Just be ready to give the environment what it needs.”
