The Celtics faced a challenging period in the third quarter against the Grizzlies when key players Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday were benched for over seven minutes. Coach Joe Mazzulla, possibly seeking to experiment with the second unit or motivate the team, made strategic substitutions during a game that swung between a convincing win and a nail-biter.
With 7:10 left and a slim 3-point lead, Mazzulla substituted Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Al Horford for the benched stars. This lineup adjustment aimed to explore an alternative identity and ability to play without the primary players. Additionally, Neemias Queta entered the game, marking his first regular-season minutes, further emphasizing the coach’s experimentation.
The Celtics had a modest lead at halftime but struggled to dominate the Grizzlies in the early minutes of the second half. Mazzulla, dissatisfied with the team’s performance, sought to find a lineup that could initiate a run, keeping an eye on managing minutes with an upcoming back-to-back game.
During this period, the Celtics bench, alongside White, matched the Grizzlies with an even score of 11-to-11. Notably, their points came from three-pointers by White, Hauser, and Pritchard. Despite the specific on-court results, Mazzulla’s decision to bench the starters conveyed a stronger message about accountability and expectations.
Porzingis acknowledged Mazzulla’s competitiveness and desire to win, highlighting the coach’s emotional engagement during a timeout. Through actions rather than words, Mazzulla demonstrated his commitment to holding players accountable and benched the starters, emphasizing the high standards set by the team.
Mazzulla reflected on the team’s lackadaisical performance despite the victory, acknowledging the need for teams to go through different challenges and learnings. He emphasized the high standard set by the team and expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance, showcasing his dedication to pushing the players to meet those standards.
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