Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized physicality, adjustments, and character in his postgame remarks following Wednesday night’s 127-102 Game 5 win over the New York Knicks at TD Garden.
Mazzulla highlighted Jaylen Brown’s defensive leadership as a turning point in the elimination game, pointing to a key hustle play as a moment that shifted momentum.
“Thought the dive into the bench kind of changed the game for us,” Mazzulla said. “He was just great on all levels… took it upon himself to guard Brunson, set the tone, and he did that on both ends.”
Boston dominated the third quarter after Luke Kornet replaced Kristaps Porzingis to begin the second half, a move Mazzulla credited with stabilizing the paint.
“Did a great job protecting the rim, did a great job defending without fouling… had nine rebounds, two offensive ones,” he noted. “He made some big-time plays for us.”
Kornet added 10 points, seven blocks, and helped Boston limit New York to 17 points in the third.
Mazzulla also praised Kornet’s positioning and basketball IQ.
“He’s just good at being in the right place at the right time, anticipating the play on both ends,” the coach said. “It’s just his basketball IQ.”
Sam Hauser returned to the rotation, giving Boston a different dimension offensively.
“Another layer of a different level of offensive pace,” Mazzulla said. “He gave us some good stuff.”
The coach addressed his in-game substitutions, explaining they were driven by foul trouble and matchup flexibility.
“Jrue had two fouls, so we went with Payton early,” Mazzulla explained. “Play different lineups, do what makes sense, try to win the matchup on both ends.”
With Jayson Tatum sidelined, the Celtics relied on role players stepping into expanded responsibilities.
“We have multiple identities on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said. “Tonight we were able to tap into one of the ones that we have without him.”
When asked if this was the most connected the team had looked, Mazzulla credited the team’s character and experience.
“It was just, we did what was necessary to do what we needed to do to get back to New York,” he said. “Made winning plays on both ends of the floor.”
The Celtics outscored the Knicks by 24 in the second half and extended the series to a Game 6 in New York.
“Four hours ago, we just had to win one game,” Mazzulla said. “Now we just have to win one game.”
The Celtics are seeking to become the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
