Boston Celtics analyst sends strong message on Joe Mazzulla adjustment: ‘The results were noteworthy’
Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers was Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla’s finest performance in the HC role since he was unexpectedly thrust into it right before training camp in September 2022. Mazzulla’s Celtics won 95-86 after carrying a deficit into the fourth quarter, and Jayson Tatum’s 1/13 start turning into a 12-point outburst in the final four minutes was the main takeaway from the game. Or at least one of them.
The other was the starting lineup switch from starting Al Horford at center along with Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum to a double-big lineup swapping White for Robert Williams III. Boston.com’s Tom Westerholm noted that the results of that switch were “noteworthy” and pointed out how it directly led to an elite performance from the Cs on defense.
“Robert Williams re-entered the starting lineup, taking Derrick White’s place, and the results were noteworthy,” Westerholm wrote. “Williams finished with 10 points and nine rebounds – +18 in the box score – but his defense in support of Al Horford made the biggest difference.”
The Boston Celtics proved who was essential with short Game 6 rotation
Game 6 was eye-opening when it comes to who Mazzulla prioritizes in his Boston Celtics rotation. Only seven players played, but White played 19 minutes — being the only Celtic who played under 20 minutes. A major workload was given to Horford, Smart, Brown, and Tatum, and Malcolm Brogdon and Williams III received starter minutes at 28 and 30 minutes, respectively.
Impending restricted free agent Grant Williams wasn’t deemed essential to the C’s survival hopes, perhaps speaking to what his future may hold should an exorbitant offer sheet get thrown his way. Sam Hauser’s shooting wasn’t needed, with defense being prioritized by Mazzulla. With Brogdon’s 30 minutes on the floor, it’s clear Payton Pritchard doesn’t have an immediate future with this team.
Mazzulla showed us which Celtics are part of the team’s core, and it’s a very short list.