NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: HEAT VS. CELTICS

May 29, 2023

Joe Mazzulla

Boston Celtics

Game 7: Pregame

Q. Joe, Smart said today that you guys watched the 30 for 30 on the Red Sox in 2004. Whose idea was that and was it helpful or instructive?

JOE MAZZULLA: It was the staff's idea, the assistants, and yeah, I mean, I thought it gave perspective. I thought it gave a sense of inspiration and hope and gave us an opportunity to fight to be in the position we're in today.

Q. Were you watching that series when it happened in 2004? Were you a Red Sox fan watching that?

JOE MAZZULLA: Yes, yes.

Q. What do you remember?

JOE MAZZULLA: Not much. I was in I think high school at the time. I don't remember too much about it. I remember more by rewatching it than I did when I was...

Q. There's a report that Miami has booked a charter to Denver postgame. Is that something that's come up with the group or will come up with the group?

JOE MAZZULLA: No.

Q. Malcolm tonight, is he a go, and what have the last couple days been like for him trying to ramp up for this one?

JOE MAZZULLA: Tested it out this morning. He's going to test it out again. He's doing everything he can to be ready to play. I trust him and if he's healthy, he'll be a great spark for us.

Q. The series has gone on seven games, there's only so many adjustments, just in terms of being together and connected versus those adjustments, what has been the key as the series has gone?

JOE MAZZULLA: I think just focusing on the details of it, personnel, tendencies, game plan execution, making sure we end and start quarters well, managing the game. I think at this time all the things we've talked about all year and the little things which are just heightened more.

Q. We have seen both teams change lineups during the course of the series. Is that just the playoffs in today's NBA with versatile rosters to do that? And how does the Heat's insertion of Caleb Martin into their starting lineup in place of Kevin Love change the dynamic in your view?

JOE MAZZULLA: I definitely think it's because a series can be long. When you play the same team, you want to give different looks and change the rhythm of the series and change your team.

So yeah, I do think that's part of it, and they are able to switch more. They are able to be more physical. They are able to be more athletic, and it gives them another guy that can make shots and put the ball on the floor.

Q. You have routinely said that the defenses get better later in the shot clock. Why is it that in late-game situations, you guys are consistently walking it up and bringing the shot clock down to about 12 to start the offense, and what can you do to break out of that moving forward?

JOE MAZZULLA: Yeah, there is a time to slow down and execute, right. So, I think we just have to find that balance of when it's time to slow down and execute, get to your spots, and when we can continue to play with that pace.

Either way we just have to be proactive in getting to our spots, getting space and making the right read.

Q. At what point did you watch the documentary, after Game 3, Game 4, Game 5?

JOE MAZZULLA: It was after Game 3.

Q. You told us the other night as soon as you knew that basket was good, you shifted directly to Game 7. Have you gone back and looked at it and did you take any time to let that shot settle in?

JOE MAZZULLA: Yeah, I think I took time in the locker room after the game to obviously settle in with the team but we have an understanding that we have to shift our perspective.

So, I think the guys have done that and they are ready to go.