Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the team’s offensive challenges after a 116-101 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
“I thought for the most part we found advantages, missed them… then they turned their pressure up a little bit,” Mazzulla said, reflecting on the team’s difficulty converting opportunities.
Mazzulla noted the importance of defensive stops and crashing the boards in connected play. “You want to get stops, get out and run. You want to crash, get extra possessions,” he explained, acknowledging that Boston struggled in both areas against Milwaukee’s balanced attack.
The Bucks’ ability to stretch the floor caused additional defensive strain for the Celtics. “They’re the number one three-point shooting team in the league… they spread you out and force you to guard the ball,” Mazzulla said, citing Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis as key contributors who exploited matchups.
Mazzulla admitted that the Celtics’ own misses compounded defensive pressure. “It was a combination of both. Our defense put stresses on our offense… we got to defend better and make shots to get extra possessions,” he explained, referencing Milwaukee’s 58% shooting from the field and 45% from three-point range.
He also discussed his decision to pull starters with roughly six minutes remaining. “It’s just one of those nights… it’s not our night. We move on to the next one,” Mazzulla said, emphasizing the need to refocus for upcoming games.
The Celtics trailed 67-60 at halftime before the Bucks, led by Kuzma’s 31 points and Portis’ 27, went on an 11-0 run midway through the third quarter to seize control. Kevin Porter Jr. contributed a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Milwaukee shot 58% overall and dominated the boards 40-39.
Boston star Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and Jordan Walsh added 20, but the team was unable to extend its five-game winning streak. Mazzulla highlighted the challenge of defending specific tendencies. “We’ve got to do a better job defensively on taking away their tendencies, being more disciplined, and making them uncomfortable,” he said.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a strained right calf, the Bucks relied on efficient scoring and strong floor spacing to secure the victory. Boston will look to regroup when they host the Detroit Pistons on Monday, while Milwaukee travels to Brooklyn on Sunday.
