Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s depth and adaptability following their 138-129 victory over the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on Sunday.
“We just have to keep chipping away at those two guys,” Mazzulla said, referring to Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh, noting their improving impact at multiple positions.
Mazzulla addressed the Celtics’ small-ball approach after Neemias Queta’s ankle injury, emphasizing the speed and offensive opportunities it created. “Always advantages, disadvantages. The advantages the speed that we could play with on the offensive end, the dribble drive, the pace we can create,” he explained.
The fourth quarter was a mix of hot shooting from Orlando and defensive adjustments by Boston. “A couple of their guys played really well and there are obviously possessions we could be better defensively,” Mazzulla said.
The Celtics’ second-quarter surge proved decisive, with Minott scoring 12 points and helping Boston shoot 81.8% in the period. Mazzulla highlighted the team’s ability to convert defense into offense. “Josh did some good things turning defense into offense. Good to see Sam get going as well,” he said.
Afernee Simons’ bench production also received praise. “He’s playing his role really well, giving us everything, competing, and scoring in a bunch of different ways,” Mazzulla noted, highlighting Simons’ growing comfort and aggressiveness in recent games.
Mazzulla addressed the team’s flexible rotation strategy. “We just always give the game what it needs. Our team understands that and we just have to continue to get better at that,” he said, explaining how Boston manages minutes and matchups depending on game circumstances.
The coach also reflected on the Celtics’ resilience in tight finishes. “At the end of the day, you can’t get too high, you can’t get too low. You have to understand where we’re at and what we have to get better at,” he said.
Boston improved to 9-8 with the win, fueled by Jaylen Brown’s 35 points and eight assists, while Minott’s 16 points and Payton Pritchard’s 19 points and eight assists helped build a 26-point third-quarter lead. Orlando rallied late, but Brown scored 12 straight points to stabilize the Celtics.
The Celtics will host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, while Orlando continues its road trip at Philadelphia on Tuesday.
