Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla pinpoints major issues that triggered Game 2 downfall vs Cavs

The Boston Celtics were routed 118-94 on their home floor in Game 2 of their NBA Playoffs series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After the game, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla explained what went wrong, per Bobby Manning of CLNS:

“Mazzulla: ‘Their ball pressure was better, their pick up points were higher … they closed into our bodies.’ Said Cavaliers forced indecision, Celtics didn’t know whether they were open. ‘There were times in the game where we went through offensive lapses, and it impacted our defense.'”

While the Cavaliers only forced seven Celtics turnovers, their defensive pressure forced Boston into a 41 percent shooting night, including only 23 percent from behind the 3-point line.

Cleveland found something that worked, a thing that they need to continue if they are going to push the Celtics — big games from Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert. Mobley finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while LeVert scored 21.

Celtics fans can argue their team was just complacent after dominating Miami in the first round and then Game 1 of this series, but this does follow a pattern.

Boston has struggled more than expected all season in the games when ty are struggling from the 3-point line. The Celtics took an NBA high 43.7% of their shots from beyond the 3-point line this season, but that can lead to some off nights.

Game 2 was one of those games, as Jaylen Brown was 0-of-6 from behind the 3-point line. Derrick White also regressed to the mean and was 1-of-8.

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