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Joe Mazzulla says he’s ‘ready for war’ ahead of pivotal Celtics Game 6
Mazzulla says he's ready for the biggest game of his NBA coaching career.
On Thursday, Joe Mazzulla will coach the biggest game of his NBA coaching career.
How ready is he, with the Celtics’ back against the wall in a do-or-die Game 6 on the road at Philadelphia?
“I’m ready for war,” Mazzulla told reporters before the game on Monday.
Mazzulla, who faced criticism this week for not calling a timeout at the end of Game 4 and for the team’s lackluster performance in Game 5, has made a change to the starting lineup for Game 6.
The Celtics will start Robert Williams III instead of Derrick White. The move marks a return to the Celtics’ double-big lineup with Williams starting alongside Al Horford.
“Just gives us a different look,” Mazzulla said. “I think at his best, Rob gives us a lift, especially at the defensive end. So, I’m looking for that.”
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The move comes after Philadelphia center and league MVP Joel Embiid tallied a combined 67 points and 20 rebounds over his last two games. The Celtics were outrebounded 49-36 on their home floor during Tuesday’s loss in Game 5.
The Celtics will lean on Williams for help with that.
“Just his presence at the rim, his ability to guard on the perimeter and rebound and screen for us,” Mazzulla said. “I think those things he’s really been good at throughout the year and that’s what we’re looking for from him tonight.”
The Celtics, who trail the series 3-2, would be eliminated with a loss on Thursday night. A win in Game 6 would force a decisive Game 7 at TD Garden.
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