Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jrue Holiday Shares Joe Mazzulla & Celtics Starters' Conversation on Sitting Second Half vs. Bucks
Playing their third game in four days, traveling to each tilt, and on the second half of a back-to-back after pulling out a 127-120 overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Boston on Wednesday, the Celtics', understandably, were exhausted.
They were 5-1 when suiting up for the second time in two days, tied for the NBA's best record in those circumstances, but Thursday night at Fiserv Forum, their fatigue was evident early.
They shot a frigid 9/26 (34.6 percent) from the field, including faring 1/8 (12.5 percent) from beyond the arc in the first frame. For an encore, they scored 15 points in the second quarter, their lowest output in a period this season, entering halftime trailing the Milwaukee Bucks 75-38.
Jaylen Brown, who had ten points at intermission, entered the break as the lone Celtic to score in double figures.
That's when their head coach, Joe Mazzulla, wisely prioritized resting his starters and letting the extended rotation step into the spotlight in the second half.
After the 135-102 loss on his first trip to Milwaukee since the Bucks traded him to acquire Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, who finished with six points, four rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes, shared what that conversation was like as the first unit found out their night was over.
"He asked us, and, you know, we wanted to fight," voiced Holiday. "We wanted to stay in there and play. But sometimes, as coaches or as players, sometimes, you have to listen to your coaches, too. So, I appreciate Joe for that. Because again, I think, as a coach, he definitely does care about our well-being. And he also knows that we're gonna fight to the end, no matter what the score is."
While discussing his decision, Mazzulla expressed, "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."
Boston's bench boss later stated, "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."
The Celtics, 29-9, still boast the best record in the NBA and have a three-game lead over the Bucks in the Eastern Conference.
They'll now turn their attention to a Saturday showdown against the Houston Rockets. That represents Ime Udoka's return to Boston for the first time since he was the franchise's head coach. That matchup will tip off at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Further Reading
Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston
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
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'
