HUGE Boston Celtics Comeback Beats Miami | Joe Mazzulla “stupidity” | Vucevic double-double

Boston Celtics rally past Miami Heat after sluggish start, powered by a resurgent Derrick White and bold adjustments by Joe Mazzulla. Can Vucevic’s arrival spark a new offensive identity for the Celtics as they eye a top seed in the East?

John Karalis of Celtics On SI spotlights Boston’s 98-96 comeback, analyzing how the Celtics overcame a 22-point deficit by ditching the double-big lineup and unlocking key contributions from Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and newcomer Nikola Vucevic. The discussion dissects Joe Mazzulla’s in-game adjustments, Jaylen Brown’s honest postgame reflections, and lineup questions involving Luka Garza and Neemias Queta. Plus, hear how Boston’s defense clamped down in the second half and why this gritty win, coupled with the Knicks’ loss, could shape the playoff race. Will the Celtics’ revamped bench and strategic tweaks hold up as the postseason looms?

00:00 Celtics Slow Start & Double Bigs
02:57 Miami Matchups & Coaching Overthought
06:58 Second Half Turnaround & Simplification
10:59 Pritchard, Vucevic & Bench Impact
14:30 Individual Performances & Progress
18:38 Rotation Questions & Final Thoughts

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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis. It’s an inside look at the C’s from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.

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35 comments

  6. The double big lineup really didn't click in this game. I understand why they want to try it – we might need it in the playoffs at some point – but kudos to Joe and the guys for finding ways to turn it around. Leaving Davion open for a 3 to potentially win the game stopped my heart for a second though lol

  8. I am glad Joe admitted the mistake. Miami doesn't play big. The double bigs may come into it in the Knicks game, but this is actuallya good matchup for Vucevic.

  12. Great team win, anyone who’s followed the Celtics the past 5 seasons will really come to appreciate this maturity especially with a young roster and young coach. It’s so enjoyable to see the shift in culture. A lot of props to Joe and the upper management, it’s been a slow build but the foundations definitely feel set. This win speaks more than just another 1 added in the W column. I really appreciated the hustle and focus.

  13. Now, that second half was a satisfying one. That first half🤮🤮 and the third quarter 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️. I, too thought the trade(s) had sapped their strength. And like John and Scal stated the double big looked cumbersome and disjointed against Miami.

  14. Jaylen brown had a net of 16… his +/ this year is under 3 that needs to be better. The top 10 scorers have at least +5. Hes been good offensively but hes been bad defensively

  16. Scal was talking Baylor up big time…said his "defense and energy are spectacular". Baylor is becoming and ELITE defender, his passing/vision is above average, and his shot is looking great.

  21. Why the heck is Boston paying Waterboy 54 million dollars if the coach has to sit him on the bench for the team to go on big runs and win games. Minus 16 for the game and 2 assists to go with his 25 FGA's. Goes home and tells his cat he's the best two-way player in the league.

  25. I didn't think they'd come back the way Miami was on fire. Once Vucevic learns what he needs to it'll be much better. You can see how good his hands are as well as his elite passing.

  35. Impressive comeback after an anemic first half….Question: What the heck happened to rising star Jordan Walsh, who went from ascendant player to no minutes within a few games?

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