#1 - Joe Mazzulla vs. Ime Udoka
As the game started, my focus was on the two coaching staffs. Ime Udoka, the former Celtics coach, was facing his former assistant, Joe Mazzulla. Both are now at the top of their respective conferences. Both are playing with different playstyles that highlight their strengths and try to hide their weaknesses.
While the Celtics are dominating because of their stellar offense, the Rockets are winning their games on the defensive end. Yet, there are some similarities in their game plans. Both the Celtics and the Rockets are trying to keep their center close to the rim—like the 2022 Celtics did with Robert Williams—back when both Ime and Joe were on the coaching staff.