Boston Celtics assistant coach Damon Stoudamire is filling in for interim coach Joe Mazzula as he recovers from a corneal injury. In Boston’s 116-110 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, Stoudamire was thrilled to see the C’s 113-93 loss in Los Angeles on Dec. 12 snap the team’s worst loss of the season.
“None of us were happy with what happened in LA,” Stoudamire said after the win. “We are all very proud. So I know they will come back and have an edge to them.
The Celtics remain heavy favorites to win the championship in 2023, according to various NBA betting sites. See which sportsbooks are still showing favorable odds for the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.
Damon Stoudamire talked about the importance of role players for the Celtics this season. pic.twitter.com/TnHYHKEc1Q
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 30, 2022
“It was a shame to lose three games in a row,” Stoudamire added. “And I think we knew we had to do better in the next few games. The guys responded.”
Their 113-93 loss to the Clippers a few weeks ago was the first time the Celtics were held under 100 points this year. This one loss caused Boston to lose five of their next six games.
Per sources, most corneal ulcers are minor and require 1-3 days to recover. However, there is no clear timetable for interim coach Joe Mazzula. He could be back against the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena for the New Year’s game.
Celtics assistant coach Damon Stoudamire feels it’s a bad loss to build a team of hungry and seasoned players.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 29 points in the Celtics’ 116-110 win over Los Angeles. Tatum finished with 11 rebounds, one assist and one block in 36 minutes of action. Additionally, he shot 10-of-26 (38.5%) from the floor and knocked down three 3-pointers.
In 34 starts this season, Tatum is averaging career highs of 31 points and 8.1 rebounds. To add to these stats, the MVP candidate is averaging 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Tatum recorded his 14th double-double of the season on Thursday night.
Additionally, while shooting 12-of-25 (48%) from the floor, Brown capped his outing with seven boards and two assists in 33 minutes against Los Angeles. However, the forward missed all eight of his shots from downtown.
“I don’t know what Damon’s talking about … now he’s the head coach he wants to turn on us.”
Jaylen Brown calls Damon Stoudamire a bully. pic.twitter.com/G6R6msVw9E
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 30, 2022
Brown is averaging 27 points, 7.2 boards and 1.2 steals per contest in 34 starts this season. Not to mention, the wing is shooting a career-best 49.2% from the field.
Boston outshot the Clippers 49-41 and won 54-42 in the paint. The Celtics’ biggest lead of the game was 13 points. After a three game losing streak, CS are now on a five game winning streak.
Moreover, the Celtics and Sacramento Kings lead the NBA in scoring with an average of 118 points per game. Boston’s offensive efficiency rating is also a league-best 1.149. However, the C’s aren’t exceptional defensively. They are allowing 112.1 points per contest, which ranks 12th overall.
