Through the Celtics’ two-day respite after beating the Rockets and Mavericks back-to-back, the highest of the Japanese Convention received a makeover. In Milwaukee, former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers replaces former Celtic Adrian Griffin after he led the Bucks to a 30-13 report with the league’s second best offense.
They flexed that firepower in a 135-102 blowout of Boston two weeks in the past, however the Bucks are nonetheless 3.5 video games behind the Celtics and administration didn’t precisely contemplate themselves on a championship path. The Celtics, alternatively, have been buzzing by way of the common season with little reported drama and it’s human nature to check your progress along with your opponents’. Nonetheless, for Joe Mazzulla, this week’s information hasn’t modified his focus.
“I don’t suppose they’re competing with us,” Mazzulla mentioned. “Initially, we haven’t gained. So, I don’t know why anybody’s competing with us. We haven’t gained a championship since 2008. We’re definitely not the usual. We’re chasing individuals simply as a lot as individuals might say they’re chasing us. You recognize what I imply? We don’t even have a look at it in that standpoint. We simply need to hold that wholesome steadiness of understanding we’re a very good crew, however there’s additionally different actually good groups and the way can we match up in opposition to them and the way can we proceed to get higher as a crew.”
Joe Mazzulla: ” We’ve not gained so I do not know why anyone’s competing with us. We’ve not gained a championship since 2008… we’re chasing individuals simply as a lot as individuals might say they’re chasing us” pic.twitter.com/wUqhWejsso
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 24, 2024
To date this season, The Celtics are 1-1 in opposition to the Bucks, 2-1 in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers, and 1-0 in opposition to the Warmth and can wrap up their three-game highway journey with a wholesome roster in Miami tonight.
It’ll be the second time that Jrue Vacation, as soon as coveted by the Warmth after dropping out on the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, faces the reigning East champs, however this isn’t the identical crew that Boston beat of their house opener on October 27. On Monday, Miami moved Kyle Lowry and a protected first spherical decide to Charlotte in trade for former Celtic, Terry Rozier.
“I believe it is sensible. I believe Terry is already a local of Miami,” Jaylen Brown joked after Wednesday’s apply. “I’m pleased for him. It type of suits him the place their tradition represents.”
“I believe they get higher for positive,” Brown continued on the commerce. “Terry’s athleticism, playoff expertise, all that kind of stuff, I believe he’ll match proper in.”
“Robust, competitor, bodily, that kind of mindset, playoff expertise, I believe he goes together with all of that.”
Final evening, Miami misplaced to Memphis 105-96 and in his debut, Rozier got here off the bench for 9 factors (3-of-11 capturing) with 5 assists and two steals. But when we all know something about Scary Terry, he can warmth up on the proper time.
