Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla Shares the 3 Traits Giving Him '1,000% Faith' in Celtics' Entire Roster
On Friday, the Boston Celtics took a 120-118 win over the Toronto Raptors. They are on a five-game winning streak.
Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford did not play. Tatum and Porzingis were nursing day-to-day injuries, while Horford was on load management.
As a result of the absences, Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet were inserted into Boston’s starting lineup. Kornet totaled 20 points and eight rebounds, while Hauser registered nine points and nine rebounds.
Per Inside The Celtics, Joe Mazzulla expressed trust in his team.
"No matter the lineup, we have small things we can go to," said Boston's second-year bench boss. "We have guys that are willing to step up. We have guys that understand it's about execution, it's about effort, and it's about toughness. I've got 1,000 percent faith in the entire locker room. I told them before the game, 'I don't care who's in, who's out, who we're playing. It doesn't matter.' I know because of the DNA of the locker room, we've got a chance."
The head coach commented on what contributed to the Raptor’s late-game momentum.
“That team does a great job of creating momentum plays, so we let go of the rope a little bit. They went on an 18-3 run. All that is stuff that you’d be willing to give up at times. Schroder threes. McDaniels threes… 16 turnovers is what kept them in on that end. The poise to be able to execute is what we’re looking to build.”
Boston's next game is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 31, against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center; tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Further Reading
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Derrick White Propels Celtics Past Raptors, Preserving Boston's Unblemished Home Record
Jrue Holiday's Assertiveness Elevating Celtics' Offense
Celtics' Offensive Approach Outweighs Three-Point Struggles in Christmas Victory vs. Lakers
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'
Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'
