A crucial win before solidifying their position in the playoffs. The Boston Celtics have done it again! Another win and they’re a step closer towards their dream; and what might that be? Win the championship twice in a row. It is possible, especially after Joe Mazzulla and his team showcased an important strategic change against the Phoenix Suns. Who knows what awaits next?
Meanwhile, with Jayson Tatum out Wednesday, Kristaps Porziņģis led the Celtics to their seventh straight win. KP spoke to the media after a stunning 30-point game against Devin Booker’s Suns at the Footprint Center. The Latvian ‘big guy’ shared his experience of playing without Tatum.
What kind of work did the Celtics put in without JT on the floor? “Oh, same thing. I mean, we kind of play the same style,” Porzingis confessed. “JT obviously is the main guy and creates a lot of opportunities for us. But when he’s not out there, we have guys to step into those roles, take more shots, take more responsibility, and create more.” Meanwhile, JT, who, like Brown, hates to miss games, has an odd habit, and for the first time, Kristaps Porziņģis exposed that revolting side of the 27-year-old.
KP, in his career, hasn’t played with guys who don’t wanna play the games. But Tatum? He’s an “outlier.” Why? “He wants to play every game and rarely misses anything. Even when the medical staff wants him to rest, he always pushes to play,” Porzingis shared. Again, why? “He understands that people pay a lot of money to come watch the Celtics play, especially him. So, that’s all to him.” Kristaps said that fans should appreciate Tatum for his spirit and dedication.
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES
Besides, Wednesday surely revealed who was Joe Mazzulla’s reliable pieces on the floor when his most important player was out. Jaylen Brown returned to form, chipping in 24 points. Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and others were equally effective. Yet, while Jayson Tatum battles to stay on the court, Joe Mazzulla faces a different challenge—crafting the perfect game plan. And against the Suns, he might have just cracked a major code, making a key adjustment that could shape the Celtics’ playoff run.
Joe Mazzulla may have found his secret formula with Kristaps Porziņģis playing a crucial role
During the post-game presser after the Boston Celtics pinned down the Phoenix Suns 132-102, Joe Mazzulla unveiled his strategy for the game they had just won. The reporters asked about Kristaps Porziņģis’ defensive contributions, specifically his role as the “low man” (a help defender near the basket). Acknowledging that many focus on his offensive skills, like shooting. But also want insight into his impact on defense in certain possessions during the game.
The Celtics HC said: “The combination of Al, Luke, KP—those three guys playing together—we were able to really shift and protect the paint and take a lot of their stuff away. And KP kind of scared that, uh, you know, with his rim protection.”
Feb 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla looks on from the sideline against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Simply put, Joe Mazzulla highlighted the defensive impact of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porziņģis when they played together. He emphasized how their presence helped the Celtics control the paint and limit the Suns’ offensive opportunities. He also pointed out that Porzingis, in particular, was a major deterrent at the rim, making opponents hesitant to attack the basket.
With Tatum’s fire (even in his absence) and Mazzulla’s bold moves, the Celtics are cooking up something special. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet turned the paint into a no-entry zone, leaving the Suns scrambling. The plan clicked; the win proved it. If Boston keeps rolling like this, their championship dream might just turn into reality—again.
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