Joe Mazzulla has stayed constant along with his want for the Celtics to proceed successful and construct good habits because the playoffs inch nearer. Even although their last two common season video games will likely be meaningless for them within the standings, that intention doesn’t seem like altering.
With their victory over the Raptors coupled with the Bucks’ win over the Bulls on Wednesday evening, the Celtics are locked into the No. 2 seed within the Eastern Conference. Logically, that will give the C’s loads of purpose to prioritize well being for his or her starters and regulars over the ultimate two video games. While they nonetheless will, it doesn’t imply they’ll punt on the ultimate two video 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 stated. “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 provide Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown every an evening off. But the 2 All-Stars – along with Al Horford and Robert Williams, who additionally every took an evening off this week – will likely be again within the lineup for Friday’s rematch with the Raptors.
The C’s could also be with out a number of level guards, although. Brogdon (low again ache), Marcus Smart (left facet neck spasm), Derrick White (left ankle sprain) and Payton Pritchard (left heel ache) are all questionable. White, who tweaked the ankle in Wednesday’s win, has performed in all 80 of the Celtics’ video games to this point this season. Smart missed Wednesday’s recreation and has handled a number of accidents this season.
Getting the suitable relaxation and likewise readiness for the playoffs is a steadiness that Mazzulla is leaning on his gamers to determine.
“I don’t think there’s an exact answer to that,” Mazzulla stated. “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 recreation, Brown was honored because the 2023 recipient of the Celtics’ Red Auerbach Award, which is given to a Celtics participant or coach who greatest exemplifies the spirit of being a Celtic by means of performances on and off the court docket. He was handed the award at midcourt moments earlier than tip-off by Celtics proprietor 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 stated. “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 embody Kyrie Irving (2018), Marcus Smart (2019), Kemba Walker (2020), Jayson Tatum (2021) and Robert Williams (2022). It meant rather a lot to Brown, who’s now in his seventh yr in Boston and experiencing a profession season.
“Extremely grateful,” Brown stated. “I feel Red Auerbach had a imaginative and prescient for this group and so a few years later to see that imaginative and prescient remains to be being maintained, I feel, is wonderful. I’m grateful to be part of it, particularly while you’re highlighting issues that essentially don’t should do with stats or analytics like management on and off the ground, having the ability to obtain an award for one thing that doesn’t essentially you see some kind of worth 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 discovering his means
Mike Muscala hasn’t performed a lot since he was traded to the Celtics on the deadline as he fights for taking part in time on a deep squad. But known as for a spot begin on Wednesday, the veteran massive man was prepared. He made 4 3-pointers, together with an enormous one late within the fourth on a feed from Brown that put the Celtics up six when the Raptors had been threatening.
“It was a great pass,” Muscala stated. “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 performed 32 minutes in Wednesday’s win, and whereas he received’t be anticipated to log that type of taking part in time throughout the playoffs, he’s proven he’ll be prepared if wanted. His shot-making capability might actually affect a postseason recreation.
On and off the court docket, Muscala stated he’s settling in along with his new crew and environment almost two months for the reason that commerce.
“On the court, I think just trying to find the right spots on offense,” Muscala stated. “Knowing the best way to get into actions but additionally area the ground, discovering that steadiness. And then defensively, it’s been a great problem for me and it’s one thing I need to get higher at personally. Sometimes I’m switching and generally I’m in protection. It’s nonetheless an space I need to enhance on however I really feel like I’m getting the chance right here with the crew.
“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.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com