In the Heat victory, Kristaps Porzingis shares a message from a heated argument.
Amidst defense from Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55), Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) considers his next play during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Sunday, February 11, 2024, in Miami. (Photo by Rebecca Blackwell for AP)
The rivalry game on Sunday increased the tempo right away after Jaylen Brown and Duncan Robinson got into a play and then exchanged more insults. Since the Celtics and Heat are close friends, it was quite simple to recreate the postseason mood in the final moments.
That helps explain why Joe Mazzulla, the coach of the C’s, stated he enjoyed the altercation between Brown and Robinson. Robinson’s foul call caused the two to become entangled at the beginning of the play. Then Brown pulled Robinson away from him, which resulted in the Celtics All-Star committing a flagrant foul. After Robinson chastised Brown for a “dirty play,” Brown fired out at Robinson.
Whatever the case, Kristaps Porzingis said it gave the C’s momentum as they defeated the Heat 110-106. Therefore, there were some lessons to be learned from the fight as well as the victory.
I adore it, Porzingis declared. “I believe we ought to approach such sentimental times constructively. Get us excited, but in check. We must maintain our composure. Since it’s how they play. They require our response to something. We own our area, as JB points out. We are not required to respond, though. To change things up and bring about some action, they must take that step. And I simply believe that in certain circumstances, we need to be wise while yet demonstrating our presence.
Having met in the East Finals for three of the previous four seasons, the C’s and Heat know each other rather well. Although there have been some new players in the rivalry, such as Porzingis, the nucleus of both teams have largely stayed the same over that time. The Celtics had the opportunity to send a message when they defeated the Heat 3-0 in the season series. However, if the two teams meet again in the postseason, the outcome would undoubtedly mean far more.
However, Sunday’s game showed the Celtics were prepared to fight. As the season approaches its “dog days,” this time of year—which is currently just two games away from the All-Star break—can have its lulls. However, the C’s were more than happy to.
Additionally, maintaining that level-headed concentration has been emphasized as the C’s go toward the playoffs.
When discussing the altercation, Brown said, “I don’t think it was anything special.” “I truly don’t have anything to say about it. We’re just two teams trying to figure out how to win by playing hard, I believe. I was prepared to move on to the next play at that point, and I believe he was attempting to inspire his squad.