The Boston Celtics encountered two tough losses against the Atlanta Hawks, but they didn’t come away empty-handed. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla used these defeats as learning opportunities and experimented with new strategies in preparation for the upcoming 2024 NBA Playoffs.
In Monday’s game, the Celtics squandered a significant 30-point lead, ultimately losing 120-118. With some key players absent from the starting lineup, forward Sam Hauser was given a rare start, and other players saw increased minutes. Notably, 21-year-old guard Jaden Springer received extended playing time, especially in the crucial fourth quarter, where he was tasked with defending Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.
This experimentation continued in Thursday’s overtime loss, where Murray exploited mismatches, including facing off against the much larger Kristaps Porzingis. Despite the challenges, Mazzulla intentionally employed this tactic to practice defensive strategies, such as switching assignments, particularly involving Porzingis.
Although Porzingis struggled to contain Murray, Mazzulla persisted with the strategy, showing faith in his players’ ability to adapt. However, as the game progressed, adjustments were made, with Celtics guard Jrue Holiday taking on the defensive responsibilities against Murray in critical moments.
Murray’s exceptional performance, including a career-high 44 points on 44 shot attempts, highlighted his scoring prowess in the absence of star point guard Trae Young. Despite the Celtics’ loss, Mazzulla remains focused on utilizing these experiences to enhance the team’s readiness for the playoffs.
With a record of 57-16, the Celtics are positioned well for the postseason, while the Hawks, at 34-39, continue to battle for playoff contention. As the regular season draws to a close, Mazzulla’s emphasis on learning and improvement underscores the Celtics’ commitment to postseason success, regardless of their opponent in the first round.
