The Celtics, who were playing for the third time in four days and one night after an overtime loss, were clearly worn out early on in their most crushing defeat of the year.
It seems logical that the Boston Celtics were worn out after playing their third game in four days, traveling to each game, and playing the second half of a back-to-back after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-120 in overtime on Wednesday.
They were matched for the NBA’s best record when playing two days in a row, going 5-1, but it was clear from the start on Thursday night at Fiserv Forum that they were tired.
They fired a chilly 9/26 (34.6%) from the field, with their first-frame 1/8 (12.5%) attempt coming from beyond the arc. They continued with a flourish, scoring 15 points in the second quarter—their lowest total for the period this season—and trailing the Milwaukee Bucks 75-38 at the half.
Jaylen Brown was the only player from the Celtics to score in double figures at the half, with ten points.
At that point, their head coach, Joe Mazzulla, made the sensible decision to rest his starters and give the rest of the lineup more of the limelight in the second half.
Jrue Holiday, who finished with six points, four rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes, talked about that interaction with the first unit after the 135-102 loss on his first trip to Milwaukee since the Bucks traded him to obtain Damian Lillard.
Holiday said, “You know, we wanted to fight when he asked us.” “We desired to remain inside and play. However, there are instances when it’s necessary for both coaches and players to pay attention to their guidance. I am grateful to Joe for that. Because, once more, I believe that he genuinely cares about our wellbeing in his capacity as a coach. He also understands that we will fight until the very end, regardless of the outcome.”
Mazzulla said, “I trust our character and I trust our team,” in reference to his choice. You need to consider whether this is an isolated incident. Is this a pattern? Do you think you should be worried about this? And the answer is no when you look at things like that.”
Boston’s bench boss later commented, “You have to always do what’s best for the players, and I felt like that’s what was best for our players and our team.”
With a 29-9 record, the Celtics continue to lead the NBA in both records and the Eastern Conference by three games.
They will now focus on their matchup with the Houston Rockets on Saturday. That is Ime Udoka’s first visit back to Boston since taking over as head coach of the team. The game will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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