Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted the importance of focusing on process rather than results after a 124-105 win over the Chicago Bulls. “It really just depends on how we attack the week from a recovery standpoint and then how we attack heading back into it,” he said.
Mazzulla praised Nikola Vucevic for his performance against his former team. “Much more comfortable today… his pick and roll positioning defensively was good. Really good,” he noted. He added that Vucevic’s offensive reads and spacing contributed to his second double-double in three games since the trade.
On Vucevic’s preparation, Mazzulla said, “He cares about the details. He cares about wanting to get it right and wants to win. I trust the process of his preparation.” The center finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four three-pointers, helping stretch the floor and open lanes for guards.
Mazzulla also discussed Jordan Walsh’s impact off the bench. “I think it’s just the mindset that he brings… he takes his role seriously. He was tremendous tonight on both ends of the floor,” he said. Walsh scored 16 points, with six coming from offensive rebounds.
The coach emphasized the team’s identity and growth over the first 50 games. “We have a clear understanding of who we are as a team… played more times than not to the best version of ourselves. The challenge is can we maintain that and take it to another level,” he explained.
Mazzulla reflected on Anfernee Simons’ contribution. “The humility and mindset that he brought into the role we needed… his care factor is really high, and he wanted to do whatever it takes to win,” he said. Simons finished with seven points against his former team.
Ron Harper Jr.’s development also drew attention. “It’s his defense and rebounding… his ability to think, he cares about the details, and I’ve seen him get a lot better,” Mazzulla said. Harper contributed six points and two rebounds in limited minutes.
Regarding lineup flexibility, Mazzulla underlined adaptability. “We just have to be ready to adjust either to our opponents or to what gives us the best chance to win… whatever gives us the best chance to win that night, our guys trust that,” he said.
The Celtics shot 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, with Payton Pritchard leading the scoring with 26 points and eight assists. Boston also dominated the boards 48-34 and finished with a plus-14 turnover margin.
