The Boston Celtics are riding high on a five-game winning streak, and both Jaylen Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla are exuding confidence. Facing the Utah Jazz without Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis, the team still managed to secure a win, showcasing their depth and ability to succeed even without their star players. However, this dominant run led to an unexpected question from reporters—whether the players might get bored with their success.
Brown’s Response to Playoff Comparisons
Before addressing the “bored” question, Jaylen Brown was asked how this season’s performance compares to their championship-winning campaign. Last season, the Celtics lost only 18 games in the regular season. With 17 games remaining this year, they have already reached that number, meaning they would need to win every remaining game to match their previous record.
Despite this, Brown showed no concern, emphasizing that the adjustments they have made throughout the season have only strengthened the team. “We had to make adjustments throughout the year. I feel like that has made us better,” he said, sending a warning to their potential playoff opponents.
With the Celtics nearly securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, their playoff path is becoming clearer. Brown not only acknowledged the challenge ahead but also doubled down on his team’s ability to dominate. “We just have to, you know, have that mindset each and every night to come out and dominate, which is hard, but I think we’re a better team than we were last year,” he added.
Mazzulla’s Take on Keeping the Team Focused
Head coach Joe Mazzulla was then asked an unusual question—how he keeps his players from getting bored before the playoffs. While maintaining focus throughout the long NBA season is a legitimate challenge, Mazzulla’s response indicated that he has no concerns in this area.
He credited the team’s professionalism and mindset, stating, “They do a great job of understanding what we need to get accomplished.” The defending champion coach also emphasized the strong character within the locker room, reinforcing the idea that winning remains the team’s top priority, regardless of whether it’s the regular season or playoffs.
“It’s a different type of character in that locker room and, you know, I think they’re focused on winning regardless of when it is,” Mazzulla added, making it clear that complacency is not an issue for the Celtics.
Can the Celtics Repeat Last Year’s Success?
During their championship run last season, the Celtics lost only three games in the playoffs. With the postseason approaching, the question remains—can they replicate that level of dominance? Their mindset and locker room culture suggest they are determined to defend their title.
With Jaylen Brown’s emphasis on maintaining a dominant mentality and Mazzulla’s assurance that the team remains focused, the Celtics appear prepared for the challenges ahead. However, with strong competition in the Eastern Conference, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, the road to another championship will not be easy.
The question now is—are the Celtics truly a better team this season, or is this just bold talk from Brown and Mazzulla?