Joe Mazzulla’s shorthanded Boston Celtics overcame the Orlando Magic’s physicality during Wednesday’s 109-100 Game 2 first-round playoff home victory. Afterward, the third-year coach underscored his team’s commitment to its game plan.
Joe Mazzulla Responds to Magic’s Scrappy Play Style in Celtics’ Gritty Game 2 Win
Playing without superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a right wrist bone bruise in Game 1, Boston utilized a big lineup, starting Al Horford. The move paid off, as the defending NBA champions amassed a 15-point third-quarter lead before withstanding Orlando’s late-game push, which cut their advantage to single digits.
However, the Celtics, spearheaded by star wing Jaylen Brown’s game-high 36-point performance, had to power through numerous rough plays. This included Magic shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope colliding with Horford as he ran up the court with 4:42 remaining in the second quarter. The contact sent both players tumbling to the ground, sparking a referee review, which resulted in a common foul.
Then, with 55.0 seconds to go in the third quarter, the contest got bloody when Orlando center Goga Bitadze elbowed Horford’s frontcourt partner, Kristaps Porziņģis, in the face. The one-time All-Star headed to the locker room with a bleeding gash on his forehead. However, he returned triumphantly, head bandaged, to attempt two free throws after Bitadze was assessed with a Flagrant 1 foul.
After the game, Mazzulla was questioned about his squad responding to the Magic’s rugged play style, dismissing the notion.
“We’re not responding to anything, we’re just playing the game,” Mazzulla said.
Mazzulla added that he wants Boston to continue playing soundly and competitively as the series shifts to Orlando for Game 3.
“I just want to see them play basketball, win the margins, be physical, be tough, execute. That’s all that matters,” Mazzulla said. “… Now, the series starts.”
Porziņģis Echoes Similar Sentiment to Mazzulla Regarding Celtics’ Focus
As for Porzingis’ thoughts on the Magic’s physicality, he shared a similar view with his coach, noting that the Celtics won’t let it distract them.
“We’re not going to let anybody punk us. And we expect teams to be doing this kind of stuff, to try to get in our heads, to provoke us,” Porziņģis said.
The 7-foot-2 big man, who double-doubled with 20 points and 10 rebounds, added that his team will respond to Orlando’s aggressive approach.
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“We weren’t surprised, but we’re not gonna take it,” Porziņģis said. “We’re gonna hit them right back.”
Boston will look to take an imposing 3-0 series lead during Friday’s Game 3 matchup at Kia Center.
