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Joe Mazzulla Praises Celtics’ Second Unit: ‘What We’re Trying to Build'
The Boston Celtics finish their road trip 3-2, now winning three in a row after defeating the Utah Jazz, 123-107.
The team was without Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford as Luke Kornet started again with Sam Hauser. The two were terrific as Hauser continued his hot shooting, finishing with 14 and four threes, and Kornet had 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Kornet again showed outstanding strides like he has each and every night, especially since the All-Star break and when he has been given starting minutes. He made plays as a lob threat, set up his teammates well, and was a wall again, defensively cleaning things up around the glass.
Boston's bench had 19 points, with Payton Pritchard having another solid evening offensively and some good active minutes from Xavier Tillman and Oshae Brissett.
Joe Mazzulla credited the second unit again, who really showed out in the dog days of the season during that road trip.
"I think it says more; I didn't say this enough in the locker room, but the fact the last couple of games everybody's stepping up, like it's just kind of what we were trying to build, where we have an environment, locker room, or culture of like, it doesn't matter who's in, guys are ready to play at all times," Mazzulla said.
Hauser and Pritchard are now among the league leaders in bench plus-minus and NET rating.
"The work that the player development team does, getting guys ready, the professionalism that those guys have, they're just constantly ready," Mazzulla added. "I have no hesitancy of putting any one of those guys in because of the work that they do, and it reflected over these two games. That's kind of what we're trying to fight for, is that depth, and it's been fun to watch."
Kornet and Horford have also seen a rise in NET rating.
The Celtics go back home to host the Phoenix Suns at full strength as Boston looks to make it a four-game win streak on Thursday night.
Further Reading
Celtics Cap Road Trip by Making Franchise History in Win vs. Jazz
'Always Ready': Celtics Second Unit Shines in Portland
Jayson Tatum Plays Entire Second Half vs. Suns: 'Don't Really Say That Many Times'
Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
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'
