As after the first round, the Celtics benefit from a few days of rest before facing the Pacers in the conference final starting this evening. A few days to recharge the batteries, study their future opponents, but also communicate. For Joe Mazzullathis is the essential difference between 2023 and 2024, while his players have just won 8 matches out of 10. Appointed head coach 20 months ago after the forced withdrawal of Ime Udoka, even though his only experience was in second NCAA division, the young technician (35 years old) places great emphasis on communication between himself and the players, but also between the players themselves.
“This is the real answer to the question that everyone has been asking since the beginning of the year, namely what is the difference between this year and last year… The difference is that we have had time and lessons to be learned, and we had time to talk about them”, explained the Boston coach during a video conference. “We have time to talk about how we do things on a daily basis. We have time to talk about how to handle situations. We had time to talk about how we handled past situations. Throughout the offseason and season, we had time to build a relationship together, to have open and honest communication. The words you use end up reflecting the type of group you have or the type of group you want to create… How we deal with successes and failures together.”
Do not change goals based on expectations
This communication makes it possible to manage pressure, to avoid falling into the trap of provocations, but also to manage the rare hiccups of a long season, and possible injuries. This communication also allows you not to deviate from your objective, and thus remain deaf to criticism or compliments.
“The essential thing this team has achieved this season is not playing with the expectations of others,” continues Joe Mazzulla. “Whether you win by a lot, or lose by a lot, it doesn't really matter. In the end, you have to do what is necessary and respond. The team did a good job combating that. I think it's important to manage our own expectations. »
A coach who makes you think
For Al Horford, this type of approach has only one person responsible: Joe Mazzulla. Older than his coach, and while he was pushed back to the bench, the interior wants to put him forward. And not just for its communication.
“Joe plays a key role in our success. He installed us in attack and defense, in patterns that allow us to continue to progress. We continue to do the readings, to look for solutions… The teams try a lot of things when they play us, and he is a great tactician. It makes us see things, it makes us think and we are able to assimilate as much information as possible. Jaylen and Jayson are very good at it, even though they get a lot of stuff thrown at them. Joe is very good at that, but also as the leader of our group. We follow him. He demands a lot from us and we respond by working. »
