Skip to main content

Wednesday night at TD Garden, the Celtics failed to throw the first punch for the second-straight series.

Instead, a 46-25 third-quarter haymaker propelled the Heat to a 123-116 win in Boston.

USATSI_20688324

A day after letting go of the rope, head coach Joe Mazzulla reflected on the latest instance of the years-long problem of the Celtics not playing with the necessary energy and focus after halftime.

"Just knowing what allows teams to hang around, and what gives teams momentum throughout games, and how you kind of shut that down as fast as you can," expressed the first-year bench boss at the Auerbach Center on Thursday.

USATSI_20688739

But as Boston aims to atone for taking its foot off the gas in a costly third frame and committing six turnovers in the fourth quarter, including four in the final five, the hosts of Game 2 have a new addition to their injury report.

The good news for the Celtics is that while Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon joins Danilo Gallinari on there due to a right forearm strain, he's considered probable for Friday's matchup.

Game 2 tips off at 8:30 ET. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the matchup before, during, and afterward. And follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post. 

Update: Per the Celtics, Malcolm Brogdon is available for Game 2.

Further Reading

Joe Mazzulla Reflects on Celtics' Latest Third-Quarter Letdown: 'We Have to Have the Understanding You Just Can't Relax'

Celtics Discuss Heat Outscoring Them 46-25 in Third Quarter of Game 1: 'We Allowed Them to Do What They Wanted'

Celtics Address 'Letting Go of the Rope' After Game 1 Loss to Heat

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Loss: Heat's Third-Quarter Haymaker Propels Them to 1-0 Lead

Malcolm Brogdon Opens Up About Sacrificing as Celtics' Sixth Man: 'It’s Not Easy; It Really Isn’t'

NBA Draft Lottery Yields Unfavorable Result for Celtics

With Defense Key to Celtics Staying a Step Ahead of Heat, Joe Mazzulla Confirms Robert Williams Sticking in Starting Lineup

The Celtics are Motivated to Win a Championship for Al Horford, 'The Guy We've Followed All Season'

Jayson Tatum Discusses His Relationship with Celtics Fans: 'I Love Being Here'

Jaylen Brown Discusses Whether Making an All-NBA Team Provides Clarity About His Future