Joe Mazzulla Labels Celtics’ Win vs. Raptors ‘A Weird Game’
The Boston Celtics finished their season sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a 105-96 win north of the border. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday combined for 44 points and knocked down nine threes.
Without Jaylen Brown, inactive due to right knee hyperextension, Boston still found a way to counter the hosts’ 18-3 run to start the second half and regain control of the game. Jayson Tatum, who finished with 19 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, and six assists, consistently attacked downhill to lead a 30-9 response that propelled the visitors to victory.
After the win, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had this to say about the feel of Monday’s matchup.
It was a weird game, first of all, said Boston’s second-year bench boss, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic. A weird environment. One of those situations where we had to fight to constantly create our own energy.
The Celtics have won 16 of their last 20 tilts. The first team to reach 30 wins is now 31–9 this season. They are number one in net rating and in the top three in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Brown and Tatum have played like All-NBA members. Holiday continues to look more comfortable on the offense, aggressively looking for his shot, and White and Kristaps Porzingis continue to accentuate the team.
Boston continues its busy stretch on Wednesday when rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visit TD Garden. The Celtics will look to improve to 20-0 on their parquet this season and build on the franchise record they’ve established for their best home start to a campaign.
