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Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns 97-81 on Tuesday night.
Boston played without Jaylen Brown but still dominated, holding Phoenix to 37 percent shooting from the field. Derrick White led the way with 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Neemias Queta added 14 points and 13 rebounds.
After the game, Sam Hauser was asked why the Celtics have been so successful regardless of who plays. His answer revealed the blueprint behind Boston’s depth.
What Hauser Said About the Celtics’ Success
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesSam Hauser, Boston Celtics.
Hauser pointed to the coaching staff and player development as the foundation.
“Credit goes to our coaching staff and our player development staff each and every day, getting the work in, preparing, getting game reps, and then locking in on film,” Hauser said. “Knowing that Joe’s not afraid to just sub a guy in for 2, 3, 4 minutes or 30 minutes some nights, so you’ve got to be ready for your number to be called.”
That readiness defines the Celtics. Head coach Joe Mazzulla does not hesitate to play deep into his bench. Players know they could get two minutes or 30 minutes on any given night. That uncertainty forces everyone to stay prepared.
Hauser elaborated on the culture that makes it work. “A lot of us in this room have been in that spot at some point in our career,” Hauser said. “I think it’s easy when you have people ahead of you that have done it. It’s easy to fall in line, but a lot of credit goes to our coaches, our coaching staff, and then the culture that we’ve built.”
The veterans set the tone. Younger players follow their lead. The coaching staff ensures everyone is prepared. That combination allows the Celtics to win games without their best players.
How the Celtics Dominated the Suns
Boston’s defense carried them Tuesday night.
The Celtics held Phoenix to 11 points in the third quarter. The Suns shot 18 percent from the field and 11 percent from three-point range in the period. Boston outscored Phoenix 30-11 in the third and took control of the game.
The Celtics also dominated the glass. Boston grabbed 22 offensive rebounds and outrebounded Phoenix 21-6 in the third quarter alone. That second-chance production made up for Boston’s poor shooting. The Celtics shot 40 percent from the field and 28 percent from three for the game.
Hauser was one of the players who stepped up. He scored 13 points in the third quarter, hitting three three-pointers in the period. Baylor Scheierman recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Ron Harper Jr. provided key minutes off the bench.
White was brilliant. He finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Queta controlled the paint with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Celtics won by 16 despite playing without their two best players.
What This Means for Boston
The Celtics are 38-19 and hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
They have won three straight games on this road trip. Boston’s depth is the reason. The Celtics can plug in different players and still execute at a high level.
Mazzulla’s willingness to play anyone keeps the entire roster engaged. Players cannot afford to coast in practice or lose focus during film sessions. They know their number could be called at any moment.
The Celtics face the Denver Nuggets next on Wednesday night. Brown is expected to return for that game. But Tuesday’s performance showed Boston’s depth can carry them even when their stars are unavailable.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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