Despite a robust start to the series, the Celtics encounter another significant setback in Game 2, reflecting a pattern of struggles at home in the playoffs.
On May 10, 2024, the Boston Celtics faced another challenging Game 2 in their playoff series, this time against the Cleveland Cavaliers, continuing a troubling pattern that has emerged over recent seasons. Despite coming off an initial victory, the Celtics succumbed to a 24-point defeat, reminiscent of their previous struggles in the second games of playoff series. This pattern includes a 10-point loss to the Miami Heat in the first round of this year's playoffs and significant defeats in last year's postseason, contributing to a concerning record of 14 wins and 14 losses at home over the past three years.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla reflected on the game, pinpointing the team's defensive struggles, particularly against the Cavaliers' pick-and-roll execution. "The Cavaliers' physical confrontation did a great job in executing the pick-and-roll, which completely tested our ability to defend the pick-and-roll. In this regard, we must just do better," Mazzulla stated, also noting that defensive issues are often tied to how the team manages offensive spacing.
Historically, the Celtics have shown resilience following Game 2 setbacks. After a loss to the Warriors in Game 2 of the 2022 Championship, Boston bounced back with a 16-point win over the Heat in Game 3. Similarly, after this year's first-round Game 2 defeat, they secured a 20-point victory against the Heat on the road. Mazzulla expressed hope that the team could rally once again, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent approach regardless of the game's outcome.
"Whether we win or lose, we have to look at it the same way. We will watch the entire game film, analyze the mistakes and room for improvement, and prepare for the next game," Mazzulla said, highlighting the need for comprehensive review and preparation as the series progresses.
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2024/05/10, picture citation source Associated Press