Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 21h

I asked Xavier Tillman Sr. about how the Celtics’ intentions of creating chaos change when he’s the stand-alone center compared to a double-big lineup.

Being a part of the latter empowers him to be more aggressive. His responsibilities change when he’s out there with more perimeter players.

2

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 22h

3

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 22h

Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh, and RJ Luis Jr. are working one-on-one after practice.

Can’t show two videos in one post here, but I’ll show a nice move by Walsh, throttling down to create separation and get two points against Luis, in the reply to this post.

1 2

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 22h

Here’s a look into the Celtics’ big men working from behind the arc on the heels of today’s practice. That includes Luka Garza working with DJ MacLeay on a side hoop.

1 4

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 22h

Josh Minott getting in some work from the corner office on the heels of today’s Celtics practice.

3

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 22h

The Celtics just wrapped up practice. We’ll speak with Joe Mazzulla and a few players shortly.

1 2

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

"We [have] just got to be flexible enough and patient enough to stick with it."

On the Celtics' ability to navigate their struggles on the defensive glass with unbalanced lineups that overcome a lack of size with a dynamic offense and by producing turnovers. hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-unle...

Celtics unleashing chaotic structure to overcome imbalance

Jaylen Brown and Joe Mazzulla weigh in on the Celtics' small-ball lineups, an experiment that can help them overcome their imbalance.

hardwoodhoudini.com

2

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

"It was a good start on that."

I spoke with Joe Mazzulla and Jaylen Brown about the Celtics' desire for a "chaotic structure," and the latter's outlook on that approach.

Story 🔽

1 4

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

"At first, I was kind of overthinking it."

I spoke with Anfernee Simons about coming off the bench yesterday. Once he got comfortable, he displayed his dynamic abilities as a shooter.

He also discussed preparing for a role best for the Celtics. hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-anfe...

Anfernee Simons opens up about acclimating to new role

Anfernee Simons discusses coming off the bench in the Celtics' 138-107 win over the Cavaliers and the preparation that goes into thriving in that role.

hardwoodhoudini.com

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

Mazzulla continued: “playing all these different things, and we have to quickly be able to do it, to execute on both ends of the floor. So continuing to get better at that.” 4/4

1

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

Mazzulla continued: “But at the same time, we just have to continue to get better and learn new things. So you know, guys like Chris, Josh, X, all those guys are going to be playing the four, playing the five.” 3/x

1 1

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

Mazzulla continued: “And be chaotically structured in what we're trying to do. And so at the end of the day, we're going to go with what gives us an opportunity to have that chaotic structure and put us in position to give us a chance to win every single night. So it was a good start on that.” 2/x

1 1

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

Asked Mazzulla what he saw from the Celtics’ first unit yesterday w/ Chris Boucher at the 5.

“We have the depth to be able to do a lot of different things and be chaotically structured.” 1/x

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

The Celtics started small with Boucher at the 5 yesterday. I asked Jaylen Brown his outlook on that unit’s ability to be net positive despite imbalance.

“We'll see…It's preseason. We've been playing against — we haven't played against an actual team. They've been sitting a lot of their guys.“ 1/2

1 1

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

Brown continued: “…We're exploring some things that could potentially work for us. Chris has been playing amazing as well. Shooting the ball well, high energy, but against different teams, on different nights, I'm sure it'll vary…We just got to be flexible enough & patient enough to stick with it.”

1 2

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

The Celtics started small with Boucher at the 5 yesterday. I asked Jaylen Brown his outlook on that unit’s ability to be net positive despite imbalance.

“We'll see…It's preseason. We've been playing against — we haven't played against an actual team. They've been sitting a lot of their guys.“ 1/2

1 1 3

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

Jayson Tatum’s here, doing some work with a kettlebell, on the heals of today’s Celtics practice.

1 2

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

More Brown v. Williams. Good rep by the rookie until the foul at the end.

Williams has a soccer background, something that has played a huge role in his mobility on defense. His HC at Kentucky, Mark Pope, told me he thinks he has immense potential in terms of switchability.

1

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

At the far hoop, Jaylen Brown is working against Amari Williams as he drives to the basket. Beneficial for both sides, with Brown testing himself against Williams’ strength and length.

1

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 1d

The Celtics just wrapped up practice on the heels of their win over the Cavs in their preseason home opener. We’ll speak with Joe Mazzulla and a few players shortly.

1 6

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

Anfernee Simons on building relationship with Mazzulla:

“Building a relationship off the court. I think that started as soon as I found out I got traded.

“…I know a lot about his family, he knows a lot about mine…It helps on the court when he’s trying to hold me accountable and push me.”

5

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

I also asked Simons about the Celtics' being more aggressive on defense this season helping to get the most out of him at that end.

"For sure…It’s a standard that you want to obtain…Knowing that everybody else on the team is going to bring it on that end…forces you…to put your best foot forward.”

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

Asked Anfernee Simons about coming off the bench tonight after being a starter for most of his career and Portland’s primary option the last two seasons.

“At first, I was kind of overthinking it, but once I got out there, I felt more comfortable.” 1/2

1 7

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

Simons continued: "…I think those early years, coming off the bench, really helped me…trying to understand, coming off the bench and the rhythm and the preparation...but it was good.”

1 6

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

Asked Anfernee Simons about coming off the bench tonight after being a starter for most of his career and Portland’s primary option the last two seasons.

“At first, I was kind of overthinking it, but once I got out there, I felt more comfortable.” 1/2

1 1 4

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

Derrick White on the Celtics’ defensive rebounding:

“It’s a responsibility for everybody, and it’s gonna be a big talking point for Joe the whole year, and so we’ve all gotta do it.”

1 7

Bobby Krivitsky @bobbykrivitsky.bsky.social · 2d

Derrick White on whether Joe Mazzulla is treating this new group any differently:

“Yeah, a little bit.”

In what ways?

“A lot of guys that are getting opportunities, either for the first time in their career or were counted out in a different spot…Joe’s on them.”

2 9