Playoffs or preseason, the approach is the same for Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla

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TL;DR

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizes that every game, whether preseason or playoffs, requires the same focus on fundamentals and execution. He believes that maintaining discipline and intensity is crucial for achieving the ultimate goal of winning a championship.

For Boston Celtics head coach, a summer league game is a preseason game is a regular season game is a playoff game. Or to put it more plainly, for the Celtics coach, you have to win the game that is in front of you if you want to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a title. The expectations and challengers might vary, but the process does not. And the Rhode Island native broke down why he feels that way after a recent Celtics practice, saying "It's the same in the fundamentals and the execution. What's different is the intensity -- (and) obviously the stakes." "And so when you have to execute details and be disciplined under higher amounts of duress, it requires another level of physicality and mindset that you have to get to."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 12: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla looks on from the bench during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on November 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) "And so we can't be distracted by the things that we can't control is what we're saying," said Mazzulla. "You still have to rebound, you have to run back on defense, you have to defend without fouling, you have to screen, you have to know your personnel, you have to be able to execute, you've got to be able to read two-on-ones, all that stuff is no different than a pickup game." "What changes is the physicality that you have to do it, but also the intensity. And so that's the piece that we have to be ready to bring." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Playoffs or preseason, approach the same for Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla*

Q&A

What is Joe Mazzulla's coaching philosophy regarding game intensity?

Joe Mazzulla believes that the approach to every game, from summer league to playoffs, should focus on the same fundamentals and execution, regardless of the game's stakes.

How does Joe Mazzulla prepare the Celtics for different game intensities?

Mazzulla prepares the team by emphasizing the need for discipline and physicality, stating that while the execution remains the same, the intensity and stakes increase in more critical games.

What key aspects does Mazzulla highlight for the Celtics' gameplay?

Mazzulla highlights the importance of rebounding, defense, screening, and understanding personnel as essential elements that remain constant across all types of games.