The Boston Celtics didn’t just win their preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday; they absolutely pulverized them, 144-106. While it’s only preseason, this wasn’t some quiet victory. It was a statement, and the loudest part of it came from new veterans Paul George and Mitchell Robinson, who are already showing out, especially on defense. Yeah, there’s still work to be done with adapting to a new team, but what we saw in that beatdown tells us that process is well underway.
Coach Mazzulla Drops the Truth on Defensive Impact
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t mince words postgame about his new guys. He straight up said, “Defensively, they take things to another level … it starts there.” You hear that? Defensive *next level*. That’s not just coach-speak. That’s a serious endorsement. Mazzulla pointed out that offensively, it’s more about “a timing thing” because their system is so “read-oriented.” But even with that, the signs are clear. These dudes are built different on D.
Offensive Adjustments: Still Cooking, But Getting There
Now, the offense is still a work in progress for both George and Robinson. Mazzulla noted a “significant difference from first half to second half on Paul,” acknowledging that it’s on the coaching staff and guys like Derrick White and Jayson Tatum to “put him in positions and bring the offense to him.” As for Robinson, he’s used to being a pure “pick and roll screener.” The Celtics want him to be “a little more dynamic as far as reading off the ball and playing through.” It’s about breaking old habits, but Mazzulla made it clear, “tonight you saw a version of how impactful they could be on the defensive end.”
So, while the offensive chemistry is still brewing, the defensive impact from George and Robinson is undeniable. The Celtics are integrating these two, and if a preseason 144-106 demolishing is what happens while they’re still figuring things out, imagine what’s coming next. This team is just getting started, and the rest of the league needs to take notice.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply