As the Celtics grappled with the realities of the 3-0 hole they put themselves in, one of Joe Mazzulla’s assistants offered a bit of perspective.
Boston cobbled together the NBA’s second-best record over several months. Then they beat the Hawks in six games, and narrowly staved off elimination against Philadelphia with a Game 7 win.
As Boston struggled against Miami, it was a few positive words from a Celtics assistant that may have helped turn the tide.
“Don’t ruin the season off a bad week,” Celtics assistant coach Matt Reynolds said to the team, according to Jay King of The Athletic.