Celtics
Mazzulla says he is prepared for the largest recreation of his NBA teaching profession.
On Thursday, Joe Mazzulla will coach the largest recreation of his NBA teaching profession.
How prepared is he, with the Celtics’ again towards the wall in a do-or-die Sport 6 on the highway at Philadelphia?
“I’m prepared for conflict,” Mazzulla told reporters earlier than the sport on Monday.
Mazzulla, who confronted criticism this week for not calling a timeout on the finish of Sport 4 and for the group’s lackluster efficiency in Sport 5, has made a change to the beginning lineup for Sport 6.
The Celtics will begin Robert Williams III as an alternative of Derrick White. The transfer marks a return to the Celtics’ double-big lineup with Williams beginning alongside Al Horford.
“Simply offers us a unique look,” Mazzulla mentioned. “I believe at his finest, Rob offers us a carry, particularly on the defensive finish. So, I’m searching for that.”
The transfer comes after Philadelphia middle and league MVP Joel Embiid tallied a mixed 67 factors and 20 rebounds over his final two video games. The Celtics had been outrebounded 49-36 on their house flooring throughout Tuesday’s loss in Sport 5.
The Celtics will lean on Williams for assist with that.
“Simply his presence on the rim, his skill to protect on the perimeter and rebound and display for us,” Mazzulla mentioned. “I believe these issues he’s actually been good at all year long and that’s what we’re searching for from him tonight.”
The Celtics, who path the sequence 3-2, can be eradicated with a loss on Thursday night time. A win in Sport 6 would power a decisive Sport 7 at TD Backyard.
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Originally posted 2023-05-11 23:02:08.