After a gritty win in Milwaukee, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Paul George has become indispensable to Boston’s game plan.
Key points
- Coach Joe Mazzulla publicly emphasized Paul George’s significance to the Celtics, describing his contributions as vital beyond scoring.
- George’s early-season numbers show he is delivering elite defense and efficient offense, including a high three‑point percentage.
- The Celtics leaned heavily on George’s performance in a win where Jayson Tatum rested, underscoring his role as a secondary star.
Boston’s 109‑102 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday highlighted the growing importance of veteran forward Paul George, who stepped up while star Jayson Tatum sat out for rest.
When asked about George’s value, head coach Joe Mazzulla responded that the player’s impact is "extremely, and beyond basketball," noting that the game offered George a chance to assume a different role than he had previously held.
Mazzulla’s assessment of George’s role
Mazzulla praised George’s two‑way play, saying the former All‑Star has been "elite" on defense and has shown a "fun" offensive evolution, learning the Celtics’ system and becoming harder to predict for opponents.
Statistically, George led Boston with 25 points, added five assists, four steals and three rebounds, and knocked down five three‑pointers, helping the team stave off a late Bucks rally.
Stat line underscores George’s early season surge
Through the first seven games of the season, George is averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc; he also ranks among league leaders in steals, averaging 2.6 per game.
Reader questions
Why did Jayson Tatum sit out the game against Milwaukee?
The article notes that Tatum was given the night off for rest, allowing the team to test other lineups.
What were Paul George’s key statistics in the Bucks win?
He recorded 25 points, five assists, four steals, three rebounds and made five three‑pointers.
How did coach Joe Mazzulla describe George’s impact?
Mazzulla said George’s importance is "extremely, and beyond basketball," highlighting his elite defense and evolving offensive role.
Source: nesn.com
