Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla on Celtics Stepping Up Defensively to Seal Win vs. Pacers: 'Moments Where Both Have to be Elite'
On Tuesday, the Boston Celtics took a 129-124 win over the Indiana Pacers. Boston held the Pacers to a game-low 21 points in the fourth quarter.
Per Inside The Celtics, head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke on the importance of having a strong defense.
"It's just the mindset of the game. You saw a significant difference in our fourth quarter, 21-point fourth quarter. You have to be able to win games with your defense. It’s a tough balance for us because the game is connected. You can’t have one without the other. There are moments where both have to be elite. I thought we had really good defense down the stretch, made some winning plays."
Defense proved to be a key factor during the final 33 seconds of regulation. Derrick White swatted a potentially game-tying three-point attempt from Aaron Nesmith. Afterwards, Jayson Tatum blocked an inside shot from Myles Turner, which led to a shot-clock violation on Indiana.
Boston's next game is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 1, against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden; tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Further Reading
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season
Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
