LOS ANGELES - Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla lamented his side's defensive deficiencies after Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points, as the Pacers turned the tables on the National Basketball Association (NBA) champions with a 123-114 victory at TD Garden on Dec 29.
Two days after Jaylen Brown's 44 points propelled the Celtics to a 142-105 blowout victory over the Pacers, Indiana got their revenge.
Said Mazzulla: "When you're not playing well defensively, that's on everybody, that's on the staff, that's on the coaching, that's on the players...
"We've got to pay attention to the tendencies. And we have to know where we can help from and force more kickouts... It starts at the point of attack."
Analyst Eddie House, who won a title with Boston in 2008, added on NBC Sports: "I think we've taken a step back... Defensively, I feel like we aren't engaged the way that we need to be engaged to win a championship...
"Do I still believe that we are a championship team? Yes. But do I think that we're giving championship effort on the defensive end? I don't believe that."
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin December 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin December 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Supporters storm court after Yoon's detention is extended
South Korean President says he sees the deep frustration and anger of citizens
How to thrive at work when you're neurodivergent
In this series, manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter.
Huawei's Pivotal Role in the US-China Tech War
Company is at the center of China's efforts to achieve tech independence from the West
Jeanette Aw back in Japan for patisserie pop-ups
Local actress Jeanette Aw, who in recent years has turned her passion for baking into a patisserie business, is taking her sweet treats to Japan once more.
Schizophrenia patients', caregivers have the hardest time
Hence, the person is in need of treatment, though he may vigorously resist it.
Wolves a different animal: Maresca
Chelsea's leading scorer Cole Palmer is a doubt for the English Premier League clash at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Jan 20, manager Enzo Maresca said on Jan 17.
Brighton a thorn in United's side yet again
Manchester United's fleeting uptick in form ended in familiar fashion on Jan 19 with a 3-1 English Premier League defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
Hidden dangers of raw food diet for pets
Feeding pets such as dogs and cats a raw food diet has gained popularity in recent years, with claims that it leads to improved digestion, shinier coats and better dental health.
I Was Never Married, Says Kit Chan
Home-grown singer Kit Chan revealed on the CNA Insider programme The Assembly on Jan 16 that she was never married.
Content creator racks up Snapchat views with LA fire coverage
When social media personality Alex Choi saw the raging wildfire in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, he grabbed his camera and dirt bike and went to document the devastation.
