Joe Mazzulla has stayed consistent with his desire for the Celtics to continue winning and build good habits as the playoffs inch closer. Even though their final two regular season games will be meaningless for them in the standings, that intention doesn’t appear to be changing.
With their victory over the Raptors coupled with the Bucks’ win over the Bulls on Wednesday night, the Celtics are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Logically, that would give the C’s plenty of reason to prioritize health for their starters and regulars over the final two games. While they still will, it doesn’t mean they’ll punt on the final two games.
“I think most importantly, it’s about being healthy going into the playoffs, No. 1 for sure, especially with the foundation we’ve built,” Malcolm Brogdon said. “And then two, it’s about finishing the season strong with good habits. We don’t want to lose these two games. We want to go in with momentum. I think that’s one of the most important things for any of the high-seeded teams, is to go in with momentum because we’re going to get everybody’s best shot.”
The Celtics used this week’s Tuesday-Wednesday back-to-back to give Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each a night off. But the two All-Stars – in addition to Al Horford and Robert Williams, who also each took a night off this week – will be back in the lineup for Friday’s rematch with the Raptors.
The C’s may be without multiple point guards, though. Brogdon (low back pain), Marcus Smart (left side neck spasm), Derrick White (left ankle sprain) and Payton Pritchard (left heel pain) are all questionable. White, who tweaked the ankle in Wednesday’s win, has played in all 80 of the Celtics’ games so far this season. Smart missed Wednesday’s game and has dealt with several injuries this season.
Getting the appropriate rest and also readiness for the playoffs is a balance that Mazzulla is leaning on his players to figure out.
“I don’t think there’s an exact answer to that,” Mazzulla said. “I think you kind of have to listen to your players. They know their bodies, they know their minds, they know at the same time there’s certain things that we need to simulate as we continue to get ready. So however we can do that between now and next game and when the playoffs start, we just try to do it. But there’s not really one way to do that.”
Brown grateful for Auerbach Award
Before Wednesday’s game, Brown was honored as the 2023 recipient of the Celtics’ Red Auerbach Award, which is given to a Celtics player or coach who best exemplifies the spirit of being a Celtic through performances on and off the court. He was handed the award at midcourt moments before tip-off by Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck.
“Jaylen has proved that not only can you be a great basketball player, but you can be an important role model in the Boston community and off the court,” Grousbeck said. “His qualities demonstrate what it means to be a part of this organization and make us stronger as a group.”
Recent winners of the award include Kyrie Irving (2018), Marcus Smart (2019), Kemba Walker (2020), Jayson Tatum (2021) and Robert Williams (2022). It meant a lot to Brown, who’s now in his seventh year in Boston and experiencing a career season.
“Extremely grateful,” Brown said. “I think Red Auerbach had a vision for this organization and so many years later to see that vision is still being maintained, I think, is amazing. I’m grateful to be a part of it, especially when you’re highlighting things that necessarily don’t have to do with stats or analytics like leadership on and off the floor, being able to receive an award for something that doesn’t necessarily you see some type of value for.
“It doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. I appreciate stuff like that. I put my everything into this team, I put my everything into this city and this organization since I’ve been here, so to get that award, I’m grateful.”
Muscala finding his way
Mike Muscala hasn’t played much since he was traded to the Celtics at the deadline as he fights for playing time on a deep squad. But called for a spot start on Wednesday, the veteran big man was ready. He made four 3-pointers, including a big one late in the fourth on a feed from Brown that put the Celtics up six when the Raptors were threatening.
“It was a great pass,” Muscala said. “It went right through I think maybe (Scottie) Barnes’ hands. I think it was with JB’s left hand, too, so it was a great pass. He’s a great player. I missed an opportunity to shoot in the first half, so I was ready for that one.”
Muscala played 32 minutes in Wednesday’s win, and while he won’t be expected to log that kind of playing time during the playoffs, he’s shown he’ll be ready if needed. His shot-making ability could certainly impact a postseason game.
On and off the court, Muscala said he’s settling in with his new team and surroundings nearly two months since the trade.
“On the court, I think just trying to find the right spots on offense,” Muscala said. “Knowing how to get into actions but also space the floor, finding that balance. And then defensively, it’s been a good challenge for me and it’s something I want to get better at personally. Sometimes I’m switching and sometimes I’m in coverage. It’s still an area I want to improve on but I feel like I’m getting the opportunity here with the team.
“Off the court, I really like it. It’s a fun city, lot of things to do and I have some friends and family in town now, so it’s been fun to check it out.”
