Feb 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
On Saturday night, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics convincingly defeated the Chicago Bulls despite missing key players Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday, further solidifying their dominant position atop the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Despite facing a Bulls team plagued by inconsistency and injuries, Tatum’s performance, though not his most efficient, was instrumental in securing victory for the Celtics.
In recent weeks, the Celtics have strategically rested players in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 NBA playoffs. Head coach Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff have employed various tactics to manage player minutes, occasionally attributing minor injuries to them only to have them miraculously recover the following day, primarily for rest purposes.
This strategy has led to several key players, including Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, missing playing time, providing opportunities for reserves like Luke Kornet to showcase their skills. Against the Bulls, Kornet seized his chance, delivering a solid performance with eight points and 13 rebounds despite limited minutes.
When questioned about his relentless rebounding, Kornet offered a simple yet inspiring message, advising aspiring basketball players to put in the effort. While acknowledging the advantages of genetic attributes such as height, he emphasized the importance of hard work.
Beyond their star duo of Tatum and Brown, the Celtics boast remarkable depth this season, with players like Kornet, Payton Pritchard, and Al Horford capable of performing at starter level when called upon. This depth will be vital in the playoffs, considering the Celtics’ bench struggled in last year’s postseason, leading to a tougher-than-expected journey before their eventual elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.
