Joe Mazzulla explained why he continues to trust the Boston Celtics’ players through difficult stretches, revealing the habits that would actually make him worry about someone.
“When he stops coming into the gym, when he stops coming in for extra shots, when he stops coming in for extra film, when he stops being open-minded to learning,” Mazzulla said after Sunday’s 117-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
“When he stops asking the coaches questions of how we can be better. When he stops showing up for stay ready games, that’s when I start to worry about a guy.”
The Celtics coach added that he rarely sees players neglect those responsibilities.
“When I see a shooting slump, I don’t lose an ounce of sleep because I trust their process. And I trust our staff to work with them,” Mazzulla said.
Boston improved to 8-2 after overcoming an early 20-6 deficit in Milwaukee. Mazzulla said the team needed to understand why the Bucks started so well rather than automatically treating it as an effort problem.
“We missed four layups that led to eight points. We had some good two-on-one possessions that we missed. They got off to a hard start. Kuzma had 14 points in the first six minutes,” he explained.
Mazzulla credited the Celtics’ response and their improved third-quarter execution. Boston won that period 33-29 after taking control with an 18-0 run in the first half.
“Just building awareness to the ins and flows of the game and the runs,” he said. “Are they effort runs, are they execution runs or are they just natural game of basketball?”
Mazzulla also discussed Mike Conley’s role after the veteran guard started Sunday’s game. He pointed to Conley’s defensive activity and ability to help Boston in different lineups.
“Every lineup is important. One through 17 is important,” Mazzulla said. “We just need to continue to put guys in different spots, different roles, different lineups so that we can just continue to grow as a team.”
He described Conley as “an extension of the coaching staff,” praising his leadership and experience.
“He’s one of the leaders on the team and just gives great feedback. Also a great sounding board just to be able to talk to,” Mazzulla said. “High-level competitor and really good leader.”
The coach also praised Paul George, who scored 27 points against Milwaukee, for adapting to a different role in Boston.
“Just his work ethic,” Mazzulla said. “He’s very coachable, very open-minded.”
“He’s very hard on himself, holds himself to a very high standard, constantly watching film, taking notes in his journal and just processing the game,” he added.
Mazzulla said George’s willingness to keep learning has been important to his adjustment. He also highlighted Mitchell Robinson’s growing communication and understanding of Boston’s system.
“He’s a very smart player. He can process the game in real time. It just takes a little bit of time,” Mazzulla said.
Boston now turns its attention to Tuesday’s visit to Philadelphia, where the Celtics will face Jaylen Brown and the 76ers.
“It’s a great atmosphere to be in. It’s going to be a fun challenge,” Mazzulla said. “Just like any other game, we have to be able to learn from it and compete.”
