Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals was not a positive result for the Boston Celtics, who coughed up a frustrating loss to the Miami Heat behind a 46-25 third-quarter deficit. It marked a familiar challenge for this group, as this Celtics team has now blown a number of games they otherwise should have won handily. According to head coach Joe Mazzulla, however, fans should expect Boston to bounce back.
Despite the unfortunate result in Game 1 and the loud disparity in the second half, Mazzulla believes this group isn’t going to concern itself too much with the past. Prior to Game 2, Mazzulla told reporters why he thinks this Celtics team isn’t going to back down from a fight, and more importantly, why any one loss, however embarrassing or difficult, won’t upend his club.
“This is a strong locker room.” Mazzulla said.
Have they still not learned their lesson, or is there something more here? And is head coach Joe Mazzulla being outcoached by Erik Spoelstra, or was this loss more on the players? https://t.co/M7MwJHQ3L5
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 18, 2023
Boston’s first-year head coach was specifically asked about a film session held the day prior. Celtics big man Robert Williams III relayed that reviewing game footage revealed “a lot of stuff you don’t want to see.”
Mazzulla said he believes his guys can handle difficult lessons, and that they do it as a group.
“They stick together,” Mazzulla explained. “They hold each other accountable, and they always respond. I have full faith and trust that they will.”
Mazzulla’s Celtics are at home Friday night trying to even the Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece with the rival Miami Heat.
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