Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla gives defensive props to Jayson Tatum, Jordan Walsh after win over Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics bounced back from their season opener loss to take down the nba champ New York Knicks on Friday. The 107-103 loss of Boston left head coach Joe Mazzulla impressed and he made sure to praise Jayson Tatum, Jordan Walsh for their defensive showing during the game.
Mazzulla appeared relaxed during his postgame press conference after the Celtics secured their first victory of the season. He highlighted Tatum’s ability to make an impact beyond scoring.
“You look at the stat sheet tonight, 14-for-26, 36 points, that’s probably the game that everybody expects 82 nights a year,” Mazzulla said. “I’ll be a betting man that he gets something similar to that most nights. But his greatness has to be in other ways for us. He takes on the challenge of being disruptive defensively.”
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Walsh’ determination to accept the challenge of defending Jalen Brunson also received a nod from Mazzulla.
“You know they took the challenge, and it’s not easy,” he said. “I thought tonight you saw a version of like at his best. That’s what he’s going to be for us, and he’s going to continue to get better.
Tatum finished as the game’s leading scorer with 36 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, converting 14 of his 26 field-goal attempts. The performance also marked the 200th game of his career in which he scored at least 30 points. Meanwhile, Walsh recorded five points and grabbed three rebounds.
Paul George and Neemias Queta also made valuable contributions to Boston’s win, scoring 15 points each. Derrick White added 12 points and dished out six assists.
New York entered the game hoping to bounce back from its season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the defending champions dropped to 0-2 after failing to contain Boston during the crucial moments of the game.
The Celtics will return home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday, while the Knicks are set to face the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
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