Nine days. This is what separates in time the last game of the Celtics, against the Pacers, from the first game of the NBA Finals, against the Mavs. A period of preparation rarely seen for a finalist team which can be explained by the speed which the Eastern champions showed with the Indiana players (4-0).
Having such a stretch without playing can lead to two different outcomes: a team can be at a disadvantage by becoming rusty, or conversely, they can use this time to their advantage by staying physically and mentally sharp to be ready on the day. J. In this case June 6, date of the first duel against Dallas.
Joe Mazzulla logically leans towards the second scenario. “ Everything can be good or bad for you, depending on how you use it. So we are using our time wisely. “, displays the C's coachwhich seeks in particular to evaluate all recent experiences and to determine any adjustments to be made.
“ The ability to win in different ways is very important. In the last few games, I've seen our attention to defensive detail, I've seen a level of calm, and I've seen an increased focus on execution, which is most important », Continues the coach, whose team never faltered in key moments against the Pacers, despite sequences where they were manhandled upstream.
Learn from past experiences
During the two previous series, against the Heat and the Cavs, the Celtics experienced the same pattern: a big opening victory, then an unexpected defeat during the second round, before winning twice at the outside. And to conclude comfortably at home during Game 5.
Which in no way foreshadows the upcoming final against Dallas. But Joe Mazzulla intends to benefit from these experiences. “ Between now and June 6, we have to take all the experiences we've had, we're going to make sure we take advantage of them and use them to put ourselves in the best possible position to win », Formulates the technician, who will lead the training this Friday.
“ It's all about details and margins. It's about making sure we improve collectively, offensively and defensively. […] These are the points on which we emphasize. Whoever wins (editor’s note: he was speaking ahead of Game 5 between Mavs and Wolves), we have to improve » he concluded at the end of the last training session.
