Following a 5-0 start to the new NBA season, the Boston Celtics have cooled off.
The team has now lost two straight road games, the most recent being a 106-103 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics were defeated at Wells Fargo Center by reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who scored 29 points and had four blocks.
Despite the loss, the Celtics made clutch plays on both ends of the floor. All five starters scored in double figures, and the 76ers were held to 26% from beyond the arc. The Celtics also ignited a late-game comeback to close the gap to one possession.
“It’s all about perspective,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game, according to NBC Sports Boston’s postgame coverage. “I thought, actually, this was one of our better-played games from an execution and a mindset standpoint.”
Mazzulla was pleased with his team’s performance, despite a massive swing in the second quarter. Unfortunately, Philadelphia’s 39-27 advantage paid big dividends at the end.
“I thought we played the right way,” Mazzulla said. “Our scoring was well-balanced.” I thought we were successful. On the defensive end of the field, we were linked. It’s two really good teams collaborating.”
The Celtics will see a lot of the 76ers later this season as two of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Mazzulla believes his team’s mindset can draw important takeaways from a tough loss to a major rival.
“All we need is the emotional maturity and mental toughness to know that we’re going to learn from this,” Mazzulla said. “We’re seven games in and playing really close games against good teams.”
The Celtics look to get back on track against the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA In-Season Tournament on Friday night.
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