The end of the regular season gave the Boston Celtics. some much-needed respite. But they still have a job to do in this downtime they have. And that’s getting into the right headspace to head into the Playoffs. Now, this will be harder for some, like Jaylen Brown, given what he’s going through. Nonetheless, Joe Mazzulla is confident his team has what it takes. After all, as head coach, he knows something we don’t. And he revealed what it is as he gave us an update on Brown and the rest of his team ahead of the Playoffs.
Joe Mazzulla spoke to the media today following a team practice for the team. It was while discussing the practice that Joe revealed how Jaylen was doing. “Yep, everybody was able to go through practice,” said Joe. “I mean, just take it one day at a time as he continues to get better and better,” he added, explaining how they’re approaching Brown’s knee injury.
This injury has plagued JB for a major chunk of the season. Earlier in the season, he played through this injury after getting an injection in his knee. He will likely need surgery in the offseason, but that won’t deter Jaylen Brown from giving his best now. And after he attended the practice today, his teammates were optimistic about the way he looked.
Jan 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks to guard Jaylen Brown (7) on a break in play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
“He looked great today. I was very happy to see him out there doing everything. It’s a really good sign for us,” said Al Horford about Jaylen.
Jrue Holiday shared Al’s sentiment as he talked about Jaylen. “He looked good to me. I think JB is going to be JB in terms of not showing weakness…Nobody is worried about him,” added Jrue. Saying that no one is worried about Jaylen is quite the bold statement to make.
However, this also aligns perfectly with what Joe Mazzulla revealed about his team. After all, they are the reigning NBA champions. And they wouldn’t have done it without developing the right approach for it.
Joe Mazzulla reveals Jaylen Brown and the Celtics’ mentality heading into the postseason as they look to repeat as champions
Why are the Celtics players cavalier about Jaylen Brown’s injury? Do they think it’s not that serious? No, that can’t be it. They all know about the games he missed this season because of it. And we’ve seen a pretty healthy locker room dynamic, so it’s not like they’re apathetic towards each other.
No, all this boils down to the mentality they’ve developed over the many hours, days, and weeks they’ve spent in their bids to become champions. And according to Mazzulla, this understanding simply cannot be taught.
“I mean, I think one, you start to develop, you know, a mentality, a shared mentality about how you go about doing things. The longer you’re in and the longer you’re together with the core group of guys like we have. At the same time, I think there’s an understanding of that there’s a level to what wins in the playoffs. And I think those are the margins and the process and the physicality and all the things that really isn’t tactical,” said the Celtics head coach.
Apr 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla motions to the court during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
This shared mentality that Joe revealed remains critical in the Celtics’ bid as repeat champions this year. A lot of teams killed it in the regular season this year. Both the OKC Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers are also coming off 60-win regular seasons like the Celtics. However, their mentality during the Playoffs will be crucial in determining who comes out on top.
After all, in the Playoffs, there are no back-to-backs. The two teams lock into a battle of attrition each round. Ultimately, the tougher team comes out on top. So, Joe Mazzzulla’s revelations bode well for you, Boston fans, on both fronts. Let’s just hope things remain that way as the Playoffs start this Saturday!
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