The Boston Celtics have opened the 2023-24 regular season on a tear, jumping out to a 20-5 record, including a perfect 14-0 at home. But success is measured in championship banners in Boston, and head coach Joe Mazzulla knows there is a certain expectation for the professional basketball team in the Hub.
Mazzulla is only in his second year as the coach of the Celtics, but the Rhode Islander is plenty familiar with the team’s history and success. Likewise, given last season’s disappointing postseason, he knows that winning at the highest level in the NBA requires a certain consistency. After Sunday’s win over the Orlando Magic, the fourth victory in as many games for Boston, Mazzulla outlined to reporters why he believes his club is beginning to hit its stride.
“I think we’re starting to play what I would call ‘Celtics basketball,'” Mazzulla said. “From a mentality standpoint, from a toughness standpoint, from a defensive standpoint and identity, reflecting what it means to play like the Celtics. And I think this week we’ve shown that.”
Celtics top Magic 114-97, move to 14-0 at home on the season https://t.co/wb5FCveQw1 pic.twitter.com/EgS99wEuBo
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2023
“I think the crowd has helped,” Mazzulla added. “And I think our players really working to execute and buying in have helped, too.”
Mazzulla’s comments came as part of a broader question about fourth quarter execution. He was asked specifically what he meant by “Celtic basketball” and what that specific frame meant to him.
“Opponents bring out the best in us,” Mazzulla explained. “They challenge us, and we don’t back down, we chip away at it, and we respond.”
Celtics' Joe Mazzulla on whether Boston will continue using small ball lineups vs. larger teams https://t.co/1GDZB45Xsm pic.twitter.com/kbqaWQ2aVw
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2023
Mazzulla began his time as a head coach in the NBA heavily relying on analytics and shooting. This season he’s been more flexible with his approach, and employing more diverse strategies throughout the season. This too is part of playing “Celtics basketball” for the 35-year-old coach.
“We dictate the mindset of the game, the physicality of the game,” Mazzulla said. “And we’re just kind of playing with that type of identity.
“I’ve really seen that especially over the last four games,” Mazzulla added. “And we may lose it from time to time,” Mazzulla added. “But we have to fight to keep this mindset and the identity that we have on both ends of the floor.”
New episode of the Celtics Lab Podcast on YouTube, via @CelticsCLNS ☘️🧪📺
Previewing all the latest NBA trade buzz with @ASherrodblakely
Sponsored by: @FDSportsbook https://t.co/0gEAFTB5iG
— Celtics Lab Podcast (@CelticsLab) December 13, 2023
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
