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Tim BontempsESPN
BOSTON — After Celtics Following Boston’s season opening 126-117 win over the Boston Celtics, Joe Mazzulla was named interim head coach. He entered the locker room to become a winning coach. Philadelphia 76ers On Tuesday night, he offered his players some encouragement and praise for their performance against one the franchise’s most bitter and oldest rivals.
He paused.
“I don’t believe he knew it was coming,” Jaylen Brown Later, he would smile.
Brown was referring specifically to the water bottle shower that he and his teammates gave to their coach to celebrate their first win. This was followed immediately by Wyc Grousbeck, who presented Mazzulla the game ball. This was a great moment for a team who has had a lot of hardships since Ime Udoka, Celtics head coach was suspended for the entire season, just days before training camps began.
Mazzulla expressed gratitude for the close relationship they have. “These guys have seen a lot together. They’re great players. It’s all about working together. I appreciate their trust, and they have a lot to offer. We just kind of find it together.”
The Celtics did a lot Tuesday night. They literally ran the 76ers off of the parquet floor at TD Garden. Starting center and defensive anchor Robert Williams III The presence of superstar center will ensure that the Celtics will be out of action for at least the next few months. Joel Embiid.
So Tuesday night Boston used its speed and quickness in the win, something Mazzulla & the Celtics have focused on since the beginning training camp. Philadelphia is now a star thanks to the Celtics’ 24-2 win over the 76ers in fast break points. James Harden (who posted an eye-popping 35 points, 8 rebound, 7-assist score Tuesday night) looked bad several times in particular.
Boston scored over 60 percent during the final three quarters and erased an early deficit to score a comprehensive win in front of a large home crowd. The performance was part of a tribute night for the great franchise. Bill Russellwhose No. After his death in July, 6, has been retired from the NBA.
Celtics forward Grant Williams said. “We have a lot of guys who can bring it, a bunch that are playmakers for each other, and we trust everyone. We trust everyone to make good decisions, make the right plays, and make the right reads. We play without restrictions and keep the ball in front. That encourages players be who they are, and that gives them a lot of freedom. This makes everyone a threat.
Although everyone on the Celtics is a danger, they were led Tuesday by their star wings. Jayson Tatum Brown and Tatum. Tatum had 35 points, 12 boards, and four assists. Brown had 35 points and three rebounds, and Brown had three rebounds, and three assists. They were the first team members to score 35 in a season opener, since Hall of Famers. Jerry West And Wilt Chamberlain It was for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1969, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Tatum described Brown and his performances as “just in the flow”. “We don’t always call sets and even if we do it’s sometimes kind of random. But it’s about making the sacrificial cuts or getting somebody open or giving up a good shot to get a great one, or getting out of transition. Basketball is a game of ball, and the players trust us to make the right plays. Sometimes the right play is for ourselves, sometimes it’s for others. I believe the game flow was what made the difference tonight.
The other lingering image of the game, aside from Mazzulla’s debut, was the dustup between Embiid’s and Celtics guard Marcus Smart. Smart was called foul for defending Embiid. Smart appeared to be grabbing Smart’s right arm under his. Smart fell to the floor following the foul call and he grabbed Embiid by the right leg before he started walking away.
Embiid fell to the ground, and Brown raced to help. Smart, who was unhappy with the way it went, called for only technical and personal fouls.
“Went for the rebound. Basketball play. The steal. Basketball play. Referee blows his whistle and calls foul. I stop play, my elbow is still in there, and he attempts to break it. Then I am the only one who gets tech? Smart asked rhetorically.
“Everybody saw that. It’s not necessary to continue talking about it. I could be suspended three to four games, fined, or ejected if I did that. However, the fact that I got I guess something out is beyond me. Is that how DPOY is treated? It’s tough. It’s maturation, as I said. I could have opened his eyes, but I didn’t. We have the maturity to do so. We move on. It is what is. We have the power to control what we can.”
Ultimately, however, the tussle between Smart and Embiid resulted in a brief momentary frustration in what largely was a celebratory evening for the Celtics — one which saw every player praise Mazzulla’s leadership of the team through the past few week since Udoka left. suspended for the season for violations of team policies.
Brown stated that he is “tougher than nails.” Brown: A newcomer Malcolm Brogdon His calm demeanor was praised by Smart. Smart stated that Mazzulla seemed to “ooze” confidence.
Tatum stated that Tatum would not have taken any credit for tonight’s success, but that the thing I admire and like about Joe is that he admits that he doesn’t know everything. He wants us all to help him as much as we are helping him. It’s as if we are in a relationship. We’re all on the exact same page trying to achieve the same things. It’s all about us.
The Celtics’ Tuesday night appearance was a testament to their ability to repeat as Eastern Conference champions. It was Mazzulla’s first win of what he and the Celtics hope will be many this season.
Mazzulla stated, “It was an proud moment.” “It started with the Bill Russell Ceremony and just talking with the team about the legacy that he left off the court, and the responsibility we all have to keep it and build our own legacy.
“I think that the ‘Let’s Go, Celtics’ chant at the end of the match, I believe, was the best part of the game. It meant we picked up exactly where we left off. Boston fans and Boston city are something I am proud of. If they cheer for you it is a sign you’re doing something well.