Celtics coach reveals why Hawks star was allowed to ‘demolish’ Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis | Photo: Alex Bieren de Haan/Getty Images/AFP

Joe Mazulla, the head coach of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team, Boston Celtics, outlined the tactical nuances of the game after the loss against the Atlanta Hawks.

It has already been announced that the “Celtics” lost to the “Hawks” last night with 122:123 in overtime, experiencing the second failure in a row. The main hero of the Hawks was point guard Dejonte Murray, who scored all 11 of his team’s points in overtime. The first six points in overtime Murray scored against Kristaps Porzingis because after pick and roll situations, Boston’s defensive players decided to switch, which resulted in Murray using his speed advantage and playing the Latvian, hitting several half shots.

“We did it on purpose, because when Porzingis was on the field, our first and fifth numbers [saspēles vadītāji un centri] Little has changed in pick and roll situations this season. It was a good opportunity for us to get practice in a game situation so we could analyze it afterwards. In this way, we also tried to change the rhythm, because we wanted to limit their long shots, limit the opportunities to get free throws and prevent them from fighting for rebounds in the attack. He [Marejs] hit difficult shots,” revealed Mazulla.

Porzingis spent 40 minutes and 36 seconds on the court in this game, which is his highest figure of the season. The Latvian stood out with 20 points (2p. 6/13; 3p. 2/7; 1p. 2/3), seven rebounds, two assists, one interception, three blocked shots, three errors and three notes.

Porzingis starts great, but is “frozen”, “Celtics” lose to “Hawks” again in thriller