The Boston Celtics showed off depth and defense in a not-so-pretty win against the Miami Heat. Despite missing Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Sam Hauser, the Celtics managed to pull off a 108-89 victory. This game was a testament to the team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, even when the odds seemed stacked against them.
Luke Kornet’s Defensive Masterclass
Luke Kornet stepped up in a big way, channeling his inner Dikembe Mutombo with a stellar defensive performance. His ability to read the game and position himself effectively was evident from the start. Kornet’s six blocked shots tied his career high, and his physicality on the court was a game-changer. It’s clear that when Kornet plays with aggression, the Celtics are a better defensive team.
Kornet’s performance was crucial, especially with the absence of Horford and Porzingis. His defensive prowess helped the Celtics maintain control, even when their offense struggled. Kornet’s ability to protect the rim and disrupt Miami’s offensive flow was a key factor in the Celtics’ success.
Payton Pritchard’s Offensive Surge
On the offensive end, Payton Pritchard was on fire. He delivered another impressive performance, scoring 25 points and continuing his streak of 20-plus point games. Pritchard’s shooting accuracy and ability to drive to the basket were instrumental in the Celtics’ victory. His knack for finding the right angles and using his body to create scoring opportunities is reminiscent of past Celtics guards like Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker.
Pritchard’s recent performances have exceeded expectations, and his chemistry with coach Joe Mazzulla is undeniable. Together, they form a dynamic duo that refuses to back down, no matter the circumstances. Pritchard’s relentless drive and determination make him a standout player, and his contributions have been vital to the Celtics’ recent success.
The Celtics’ ability to adapt and thrive despite missing key players is a testament to their depth and resilience. With Kornet anchoring the defense and Pritchard leading the charge on offense, the team has shown that they can compete with the best, even when shorthanded. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
- Jayson Tatum’s off night and its impact on the game
- The importance of staying ready for unexpected opportunities
- Insights into the Celtics’ lineup adjustments and strategies
Postgame Quotes of Note:
“I just feel like, if you give a guy an idea if he’s going to or not going to, it changes his preparation on a daily basis. So I want our guys to come into the arena every day thinking that their process is important towards winning, and they have to be ready to go, and they’ve got to treat every single day, every single game, as if they’re going to impact winning. So by not telling them, it allows them to just treat every single day as if it’s the most important day, and they do a great job of embracing that, but it’s important because there’s just a lot of unpredictability over the course of the season. You’ve got to be ready to go at any time. And if you’re only ready to go because you know you’re going to play, then that doesn’t really help your process.” — Joe Mazzulla on why he doesn’t tell deep bench players when they might or might not play.
“I thought it was great. It’s a journey, man. We need each and every guy. We need the whole chain to be working together. So, shout out to those guys being ready, and shout out to Joe for giving them those opportunities throughout the year to be able to showcase and add to winning. It takes a complete group. And I thought those guys stepped in, I thought Drew was great, I thought even Baylor came in, made plays. And each and every night, you never know when your name is gonna get called, you just gotta be ready. And those guys have been professionals, and that’s what we need going forward.” — Jaylen Brown on end-of-bench guys getting early opportunities
“If I break the defense down and there’s two on the ball, it don’t matter if he’s missed five in a row, I’m gonna make that pass because law of averages is he’s probably gonna hit the next one. So I kind of like the quote Joe said. He said, ‘I live by principle, not by feeling.’ So that’s kind of how you should play the game, too. Just make the right play every time and don’t judge it off how other people are playing or how yourself is playing. Just right decisions.” — Payton Pritchard on whether he decides to shoot or pass depending on who’s hot
