Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla Believes Playoff Basketball is Similar to Regular Season

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the intensity is palpable as teams battle it out on the court. While some may argue that playoff basketball is a whole different beast compared to the regular season, Boston Celtics coach Mazzulla begs to differ.

Mazzulla believes that at the end of the day, basketball is basketball. Whether it’s a regular-season game in October or a playoff game in April, the key is to show up, play hard, and execute. This mindset was on full display after Game 3 of the Boston-Miami series, where Mazzulla emphasized the importance of mental, physical, and emotional preparation.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic echoes a similar sentiment, stating that the goal is simple: win or lose, and then move on to the next opportunity. Despite the pressure and intensity of playoff basketball, Jokic remains focused on the task at hand.

While some statistics may suggest differences between playoff and regular-season games, players like Celtics forward Jaylen Brown believe that ultimately, it all comes down to executing and outplaying the opponent.

As the playoffs progress, the stakes get higher, and the sense of urgency increases. Teams facing elimination must take each game one at a time, as Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasizes.

In the midst of all the playoff drama, one thing remains constant for Mazzulla and the Celtics: the game is simple. It’s about executing the basics, bringing the right mindset, and playing with physicality.

As the NBA playoffs continue to unfold, one thing is clear – the game may change, but the fundamentals remain the same.