Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s depth and execution after a 123-117 victory over the New York Knicks Tuesday at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown led the way with a season-high 42 points, including a decisive breakaway dunk in the final seconds, helping Boston secure its fourth win in five games.
Mazzulla highlighted the contributions of role players, noting Hugo Gonzalez’s defensive work against Karl-Anthony Towns. “Whenever we put Hugo in, he just did a good job of getting underneath him… you saw the depth of our team throughout some of that game,” Mazzulla said. He credited Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott for executing crucial two-on-one reads and making key plays down the stretch.
Despite Brown starting slowly, Mazzulla emphasized his star’s poise and adaptability. “He had a couple tough possessions, but… he never wavers in the mindset that he has,” Mazzulla explained, adding that Brown effectively adjusted to multiple defensive coverages while creating opportunities for teammates.
The Celtics’ small-ball approach against the Knicks’ size mismatch was another key adjustment. Mazzulla noted that the decision to use Gonzalez and other versatile defenders was based on leveraging matchups and executing the game plan. “We sent multiple guys at [Towns]… and it started with Hugo, it finished with Josh and Jordan,” he said.
Boston overcame a late New York run fueled by Mikal Bridges’ 17 fourth-quarter points. Mazzulla praised his team’s poise and focus, saying, “We knew we were going to have to score at a high rate… our offensive execution and poise withstood some of our defensive mistakes.” He also pointed out the significance of small contributions, citing Amari Williams’ hustle plays as pivotal in maintaining momentum.
Mazzulla credited the team’s evolution over the season, noting how younger players are impacting games in meaningful ways. “Everybody on the team has done that… tonight was the best example of multiple guys doing that,” he said, pointing to both offensive and defensive efforts from bench players that contributed to the win.
Boston shot 56% from the field and 32% from three-point range, outrebounding New York 38-33 while recording 27 assists. Derrick White added 22 points, including seven in the final four minutes, and Walsh contributed six points and five rebounds in the fourth to help Boston withstand the Knicks’ late rally.
The Celtics continue their road trip Thursday against Washington, while the Knicks host Charlotte on Wednesday. Mazzulla’s postgame remarks underscored that Boston’s depth, execution, and team mindset remain central to their early-season success.
