Joe Mazzulla Looks Beyond In-Season Tournament Glory for Celtics Ahead of Opener vs Nets

Joe Mazzulla’s arrival in the Boston Celtics was a welcome change. Known for his competitiveness and for taking on bigger men during his guard days, Mazzulla brings the same spirit when training. And the result has been a high level of scoring on the Celtics’ part. However, they are coming off back-to-back losses. So Jayson Tatum and co. are hoping to turn things around with their opener of the in-season tournament.

The Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets tonight. Seeing as how their previous encounter ended in a 124-114 win for Boston, this will be a chance to rebound for the Nets. But that’s another discussion. Right now, Head Coach Mazzulla seems to embrace looking beyond just in-season glory.

Coach Mazzulla is looking beyond an in-season tournament win

With Mazzulla as their coach, the Celtics play every game to win it. While the mentality is great, it does not always have to work for their benefit. And that’s what the Celtics had to face against the 76ers and Timberwolves. But Joe Mazzulla in the pre-game press conference talked about the kind of mentality they’re embracing right now. “The way it’s set up right now, it’s still 1 of 82 games… we’re playing to win the game.”

Being their in-season tournament opener, this will be a special one. The Celtics’ unique tournament court and the City Edition jerseys will both make their debut tonight. As usual, there are mixed reactions to the new look of the court. But it won’t be an issue if the Boston Celtics win the game on it.

The fans are excitedly waiting to see Derrick White and his stunning performance. With Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis on the team, this game should be an interesting match to watch. Especially considering the Nets are missing quite a number of players.

Jayson Tatum will have to bring his A-game tonight

November 6th marked Tatum’s 11th time being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. He deserves it, after all. Since Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown’s arrival, the Celtics have seen an exponential increase in their victories. Since drafting Brown in 2016 and Tatum in 2017, it has been “The Jays” era.

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Tied with the Lakers for the most NBA championships in the league, the Boston Celtics are a historically great team. 2008 was the last time they won a ring and now that responsibility has fallen on the Tatum and co.’s shoulders. The Celtics’ win over the Nets saw Jayson with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10-20 from the field, and 6-10 from beyond the arc. An efficient and high-scoring night.

The loss against the Sixers saw Tatum with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 6-14 from the field, and 2-6 from beyond the arc. A well-balanced but low-scoring night. If the Celtics hope to start their in-season debut with a win, then they will need the best of Tatum tonight. Not to worry, he also has an enviable support system in Holiday, White, and Porzingis.

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All that’s left to do now is like Coach Mazzulla said – play to win the game.