Mazzulla on Celtics’ turnaround in Game 3: ‘We played harder’

“Individual defense. Team defense,” Mazzulla said. “I thought Jrue was great. I don’t know when he got his first shot, but I thought he dictated the defensive tempo of the game. I thought Tatum answered the call defensively. I thought KP and Al did a great job.”

While Boston’s offense ultimately came out humming at a historic clip, defense was the key factor in the team’s victory in Game 3. For example, Miami scored a paltry 39 points in the first half thanks to a more determined Celtics defense.

“I thought our bench came in and really pushed the pace on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said. “It was just connected, tough, physical, individual defense. Team defense.”