No concern about lateseason slippage
Players say they’ll be dialed in when playoffs start
Joe Mazzulla didn’t like the Celtics’ performance or their effort level in Thursday’s loss to the Knicks, but he understood it. In losses to the Bucks and Knicks — two teams more motivated as they chase playoff seeding — this week, the Celtics were out-hustled and outworked.
The Celtics, who have had the top seed in the NBA locked up for more than a week, simply couldn’t match their opponents’ intensity in games that didn’t nearly matter as much to them.
Cause for alarm? No. Mazzulla actually thinks there could be some benefits.
“Our last two games were against two teams that were highly, highly desperate, and as much as we want to be able to simulate that, that’s just not the position that we’re in,” Mazzulla said. “But I actually don’t mind the result of the last two games, because I think it’s important.
“Going in with a bunch of wins and feeling good about yourself isn’t any better than having a little bit of a bloody lip because of a game.”
Thursday’s game represented something of a final dress rehearsal for the Celtics against a potential playoff opponent, as their top eight rotation players all played together for very likely the last time in the regular season. They trailed by as many as 31 as Jalen Brunson torched them, and they struggled to contain the Knicks on the boards, which has been a weakness. The Celtics were booed by their home crowd.
Inside the locker room, there was no concern that this late-season slippage will carry to the first round of the playoffs. It’s a product of their unique circumstances, but they know they need to be better. Jayson Tatum said this rough patch doesn’t define the Celtics. Jaylen Brown said they’ll certainly have to be tougher and more physical than they showed this week. He said they have “no choice” but to be ready when Game 1 comes.
Kristaps Porzingis had no doubt they would.
“Obviously, we got booed at the end for a reason,” Porzingis said. This is not the team that our fans love … but best believe we’re gonna show up when we need to. …
“Maybe we’ll get our ass kicked again one more time to start the series, who knows? And then it’s a wake-up call for us, but most likely if I have to bet, we will show up at the level we need to show up. But it’s on us.”
Worthy honor
Derrick White left the locker room following Thursday’s game wearing his outfit from his recent appearance in the Sam Adams’ “Your Cousin From Boston” ad while holding the trophy he received from winning this season’s Red Auerbach Award. The scene captivated just how much he’s embraced being a Boston Celtic since arriving at the trade deadline two years ago.
His teammates were thrilled to see White earn the award, which is given to the Celtic who best exemplifies being a Celtic on and off the court. Several players were asked postgame what their favorite White play is. Tatum and Porzingis both recounted his chase- down block of Jimmy Butler that helped seal the Celtics’ home- opening win this season. Brown said his tip-in to win Game 6 of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals.
“That was a great play just because it embodied Derrick White,” Brown said. “Just staying with it. He’s always in the game. He’s always in the right place at the right time. It means a lot for Derrick to be recognized for who he is as a player, but for who he is as a person, as well. And the Red Auerbach award kind of represents that. So shout out to Derrick.”
Tip-ins
Grant Williams, now with the Hornets after a midseason trade from the Mavs, returned to Boston for the first time since the Celtics traded him last summer. He was welcomed back quickly at the end of the first media timeout and flashed a quick wave to the crowd. …
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed a proclamation declaring April 14 as Mike Gorman Day in the city to recognize the legendary broadcaster’s 43 years of calling Celtics games. Gorman is calling his final regular-season home game on Sunday. …
The Celtics’ top six of Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, White, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford all, unsurprisingly, missed Friday’s game against the Hornets, as the Celtics prioritize rest with the playoffs around the corner.
Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Jaden Springer and Svi Mykhailiuk started for the Celtics. Springer and Mykhailiuk made their first starts with Boston this season. Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta were both recalled a night after they played for the Maine Celtics in Game 2 of the G-league Finals.