Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla credited his team’s ability to regain composure after a late surge from the Toronto Raptors in Sunday’s 121-113 victory at Scotiabank Arena.
“You’re not going to play a perfect game all the time… I thought we kind of just snapped out of it and got right back into it,” Mazzulla said.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 30 points, while Derrick White added 27, including six three-pointers that helped the Celtics build an early lead. Mazzulla praised White’s versatility: “He’s got the ability to score at all three levels… he does a good job of recognizing matchups and coverages in real time.”
Boston opened the game strong, outscoring Toronto 87-64 midway through the third quarter, but the Raptors responded with a 34-10 run to take the lead late. Mazzulla emphasized the importance of execution over the scoreboard: “It’s more about just continuing to execute… not get caught up in the result.”
The coach highlighted the Celtics’ defensive effort, particularly on rebounds and limiting second-chance points. “It starts with individual defense… having layers of help behind you… a conscious effort to rebounding,” Mazzulla said. Boston finished with a 17-4 edge in second-chance scoring.
Mazzulla also noted the role of the bench in maintaining momentum. Payton Pritchard scored 15 points, and Anfernee Simons added 12 off the bench, helping Boston extend its lead and finish with 20 made three-pointers on 47 attempts.
Despite Toronto’s comeback, Boston regained control with timely perimeter shooting. Two consecutive three-pointers from White and Pritchard during the fourth quarter broke a 98-95 deficit and set the stage for the win. Mazzulla praised the team’s communication and composure: “Every game is going to be different… quickly getting back to the execution on the offensive end and the physicality on the defensive end.”
The Celtics improved to 15-9 with their fifth straight victory, while the Raptors fell to 15-10, losing their third consecutive home game. Boston will continue its road trip in Milwaukee on Thursday.
