Joe Mazzulla Addresses Whether the Celtics Will Stick with Double-Big Lineup for Game 2 vs. Heat
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The advanced metrics from Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and Heat aren’t kind to Boston’s starting lineup.
In nine minutes, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, and Al Horford registered an offensive rating of 88.9, surrendered 144.4 points per 100 possessions, and had a -55.6 net rating, per NBA.com. They also had a minus-10 plus-minus rating.
While it’s fair to question whether that group is the Celtics’ best option to start games against Miami, and the data above is from a sample size of one, that group saved the defending Eastern Conference champions’ season. It was the catalyst for limiting the Sixers to 86 points in Game 6 in Philadelphia and 88 in Game 7.
So, when asked during his pregame media availability whether he planned on reverting to a smaller starting five or sticking with the group that propelled them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second-straight year, head coach Joe Mazzulla said he’s sticking with the group that got them here, trusting they’ll meet the moment in what one could argue is a must-win game after dropping the series opener on their home floor.
Game 2 tips off at 8:30 ET at TD Garden. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the matchup before, during, and afterward. And follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.
Further Reading
Joe Mazzulla Explains Playing Payton Pritchard but Not Grant Williams in Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals
Joe Mazzulla Reflects on Celtics’ Latest Third-Quarter Letdown: ‘We Have to Have the Understanding You Just Can’t Relax’
Marcus Smart Defends Joe Mazzulla’s Strategy After Game 1 Loss to Miami Heat
Celtics Discuss Heat Outscoring Them 46-25 in Third Quarter of Game 1: ‘We Allowed Them to Do What They Wanted’
Celtics Address ‘Letting Go of the Rope’ After Game 1 Loss to Heat
Here’s What Stood Out in Celtics’ Game 1 Loss: Heat’s Third-Quarter Haymaker Propels Them to 1-0 Lead
Malcolm Brogdon Opens Up About Sacrificing as Celtics’ Sixth Man: ‘It’s Not Easy; It Really Isn’t’
NBA Draft Lottery Yields Unfavorable Result for Celtics
The Celtics are Motivated to Win a Championship for Al Horford, ‘The Guy We’ve Followed All Season’
Jaylen Brown Discusses Whether Making an All-NBA Team Provides Clarity About His Future