When the Boston Celtics landed in the NBA Finals last season, it was the club’s defensive prowess that had been the tail that wagged the dog. Boston’s defense was historically good by many measures, powering the Celtics to a deep postseason run. Athleticism, grit, and a dynamic system allowed the team to fully dominate on this end of the floor.
The conventional assumption was Boston’s coach at the time Ime Udoka created the conditions for the team’s imposing defense. Udoka preached accountability and toughness, and his new regime coincided with a new era of defensive greatness for the Celtics.
What if Udoka doesn’t deserve as much credit here, though? According to one member of the 2022-23 Celtics, it was a different member of the team’s coaching staff that really helped propel Boston’s stellar defense to new heights.
The Boston Celtics are looking at the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for their 2022-23 slate of regular season games. https://t.co/RBcYBRSdm7
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 22, 2023
In a recent interview with Bally Sports’ Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon suggested it wasn’t Udoka who crafted Boston’s epic defense. Instead, it was current head coach Joe Mazzulla, who was promoted from his role as an assistant after Udoka’s suspension this fall.
Brogdon was traded to the Celtics this summer. He told Bally Sports he didn’t know much about Mazzulla prior to arriving in Boston. Brogdon explained he quickly learned his new coach may have been responsible for his club’s vaunted defense.
“A few guys told me that he was sort of the mastermind behind our defense and everything in the Finals, and his game plan, his adjustments, and his scouting reports were really good,” Brogdon said.
In his first year as head coach, Mazzulla has made waves with his high-octane offensive scheme. But, when healthy, the Celtics are still juggernauts on defense, too. At the time of this writing, Boston is ranked No. 4 in offense and in defense for the year.
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