Joe Mazzulla Shares His Outlook on Celtics' Blowout Loss to Bucks

The Celtics' 135-102 loss represents the first time in 182 games they haven't held a lead at any point in a matchup.

On Thursday night at Fiserv Forum, the Boston Celtics suffered their most lopsided defeat this season. Their 135-102 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks represents the first time in 182 games they haven't held a lead at any point in a matchup.

Playing on the second night of a back-to-back typically hasn't presented a problem. They entered this matchup 5-1 when suiting up for the second time in two days, tied for the NBA's best record in those circumstances.

But the Celtics were also playing their third game in four days, all of which required travel. And on Wednesday, they had to go to overtime to pull out a 127-120 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

So, after scoring only 15 points in the second quarter, their lowest output in a period this season, entering halftime trailing 75-38, head coach Joe Mazzulla wisely prioritized resting his starters, whose fatigue was evident as soon as the game tipped off.

"Everything's about the players, and so as you continue to look at life from a player's perspective, and you look at the intentions and the character of your team in a year of experience for myself," expressed Boston's bench boss.

"I trust our character, and I trust our team. You have to look at this and say, 'Ok, is this a one-off? Is this a trend? Is this something that you have to be concerned about?' And when you look at stuff like that, the answer is no, no. And things like this happen, and you can actually use them as opportunities because it gives you perspective, you're able to take a deep breath, and as I said, we're not on this side of that very often, and so when you are, it's good to learn from it.

"So, I think as you develop, as you've been in the league a little bit, and you start to see that, you develop your identity, and 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." 

Further Reading

Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston

Here's What Stood Out as Crucial Adjustment Ignites Jayson Tatum, Propels Celtics Past Timberwolves to Remain Unbeaten at Home

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Oshae Brissett Making Strong Case to Fill Celtics' Search for Big Wing

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

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'