In a thrilling matchup between the Celtics and Cavaliers, the closing minutes were marred by a flurry of fouls, with a total of 10 fouls being called in the final 26 seconds. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson explained that his team started fouling earlier than usual to prevent Celtics guard Payton Pritchard from attempting a game-tying shot. On the other side, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla revealed that their strategy in such situations is to run down the clock and take a catch and shoot jumper. The Celtics made 18 of their 19 free throws, but the Cavaliers managed to knock down enough clutch free throws to secure the win. The game culminated in a crucial possession where the Cavaliers double-teamed Pritchard to prevent him from attempting a three-pointer, ultimately forcing him to take two free throws instead. The coaches commended each other for their tactical adjustments, with both agreeing that it was a hard-fought and well-executed game.
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Photo credit www.boston.com
Joe Mazzulla discusses the late-game fouling strategy used against the Cavs



