Joe Mazzulla was asked about Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
Mar 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
On Sunday afternoon, the Boston Celtics hosted Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
They won by a score of 110-103.
In addition, the Celtics held Jokic to 20 points.
Mar 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the basket defended by Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
After the win, head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about the three-time MVP (h/t CLNS Media Boston Sports Network).
Reporter: “What was your approach against Jokic? He had almost a triple-double, but that’s pretty normal.”
Jokic is averaging 28.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.8 steals per contest while shooting 57.8% from the field and 44.3% from the three-point range in 55 games.
That said, the Celtics have won both of their meetings this season, so clearly, Mazzulla’s game plan has been working.
Feb 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla looks on from the sideline against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
With the win, the Celtics improved to 43-18 in 61 games, which has them as the second seed.
They will play their next game on Wednesday when they host Scoot Henderson and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe: “#Celtics get some quality play down the stretch, beat #Nuggets 110-103 in a solid comeback from CLE loss. Brown 22, Horford 19, White 19, Tatum 16, Pritchard 11; Murray 26, Braun 24, Nokic 20, 14 rebs, 9 ast., Westbrook 12, Porter Jr. 10.”
#Celtics get some quality play down the stretch, beat #Nuggets 110-103 in a solid comeback from CLE loss. Brown 22, Horford 19, White 19, Tatum 16, Pritchard 11; Murray 26, Braun 24, Nokic 20, 14 rebs, 9 ast., Westbrook 12, Porter Jr. 10.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) March 2, 2025
Mazzulla is in his third season at the helm.