You’re all familiar with what this season will be for the Boston Celtics. All about growing pains.
After the Celtics’ 136-107 win over the Wizards snapped a two-game losing streak, there was hope that Boston could start a new streak in a matchup with another contender in the East, the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, it was [back to losing ways for the Celtics](https://nesn.com/2025/11/jaylen-brown-to-keep-mouth-closed-after-refs-made-their-point/) after the Magic handed them their third loss in the last four games, 123-110.
The black eye for the Celtics defense Friday night? Their ability to switch and hold their own in matchups. Orlando shot 47% from three compared to the Celtics’ 35% shooting beyond the arc.
For Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, the slow start for Boston is what left an impression on him.
“I think they got out in transition in both games, and I think they shot 7-for-12 in the first quarter from three,” Mazzulla said.
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When Mazzulla mentions ‘both games,’ he’s referring to Boston trailing the Wizards by 11 at the end of the first quarter on Wednesday night. Against Orlando, the Celtics found themselves down 13 points going into the second quarter.
“I think it was a little bit of a hot start from a shooting perspective.” Mazzulla continued. “But they did get some transition there that we could definitely clean up, for sure.”
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Orlando’s shooting from three exceeded its 35% average as a team on the season. However, its fast pace on offense exposed the Celtics either on the fast break or just simply inbounding the ball and pushing it up court quickly. Boston was unable to matchup how it wanted on the defensive end of the floor.
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As much as Mazzulla wants his team to shoot from three at an insane clip, it all starts with defense for him. Luckily, the Celtics have an opportunity to improve their intensity on defense with a rematch vs the Magic on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
Featured image via Paul Rutherford/Imagn Images