On Wednesday, the Celtics got the job done against the Cavs in game 5 to clinch a Conference Finals spot. The Celtics won 113-98 against a Donovan Mitchell-less Cavaliers side thanks to Jayson Tatum and Al Horford’s big performances.
After the game, Cs HC Joe Mazzulla discussed what it takes to chase the championship and his answer was to the point and definitive. “At the end of the day, if you want to win you got to do whatever it takes,” said Mazzulla. He further added, “Everybody wants to win until it’s really time to win. Then you have to nut up and do a lot of sh** that you don’t want to do.”
Emphasizing the pressure in the late games in the series, Mazzulla praised his players for handling business, and said, “I thought the guys’ focus on the task at hand, they were very present.”
Al Horford also received words of praise for his outstanding night’s work to progress to the Conference Finals. For Mazzulla, this will be his first Conference Finals and the possibility of a first NBA Finals is not off the table. But this could be his journey to it with his trusted right-hand man, Sam Cassell, who is reportedly linked with the Lakers for their vacant HC role.
Joe Mazzulla Lauds Assistant Amid Lakers Link
Following the firing of Darvin Ham, the Lakers began their HC search last week. Among some notable candidates, Sam Cassell is one of the names who will be interviewed for the role. After the Lakers were granted permission to interview him, Mazzulla didn’t hold back in praising his assistant. “He’s been at every seat on the bench, and he knows how to communicate with every single player.. Good coach. Great coach,” said the 35-year-old.
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Apart from the Lakers, another team from the West is interested in Cassell’s service. Milwaukee Bucks HC, Doc Rivers is reportedly desperate to get the NBA veteran by his side next season.
Mazzulla and Co. had the best record in the regular season, and they continued in a similar fashion in the post-season. The Celtics are waiting for the winners of the Knicks vs the Pacers series and if Cassell is to depart after this season, this will be Mazzulla’s only chance to raise the NBA championship with his revered assistant.
Also Read: Al Horford’s Domination Led the Celtics to the Conference Finals After Eliminating the Cavs
