The Celtics’ third quarter collapse in Game 1 – and Joe Mazzulla’s response – should ring familiar

It’s May 17 and it’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. In a hard-fought and physical first half, the Celtics have managed to eke themselves out a single digit lead at halftime.

That lead then quickly evaporates, as the C’s get their doors blown off in the third quarter. Despite a slight run in the fourth, the third quarter deficit is still too much to overcome, and Boston falls down 0-1 in the series.

Do you assume this is talking about Game 1 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals from Wednesday night, which the Celtics lost 123-116? If so, you’re only half right.

• No, that scenario isn’t a uniquely 2023 occurrence. Last year’s ECF between the Celtics and Heat began with a nearly identical game script. In that game – played in Miami a year ago to the day – the Celtics were up eight at the half (compared to seven in this year’s game) then got outscored 39-14 in the third quarter (versus 46-25) on their way to a 118-107 loss.

  The similarities don’t end there though. When asked about the third quarter, head coach Joe Mazzulla quoted his predecessor Ime Udoka nearly word-for-word when he was faced with a similar line of questioning last year.

  “We won three quarters other than that, but obviously that one’s going to stand out. We really had one poor quarter that hurt us,” Udoka told reporters after the Game 1 loss in 2022. “It was strictly from a physicality standpoint. It wasn’t anything different that they did. They just came out and imposed their will.”

  Mazzulla on Wednesday night, a year to the day later? “We won three out of the four quarters. We lost one quarter because we dropped our sense of urgency.” Mazzulla actually mentioned twice during his seven-minute press conference that the Celtics scored more points in three of the four quarters on Wednesday night.

• Joe Mazzulla: "We have to adjust our mindset regardless of what we're doing in one quarter. We have to raise our level of urgency" pic.twitter.com/0suQZZGH96

  — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 18, 2023

• Celtics HC Ime Udoka: “We won three quarters. We won the transition battle, won the second chance points battle. Won points in the paint, and we really had one poor quarter that hurt us, and it was strictly from a physicality standpoint.” pic.twitter.com/IpGd78mEG9

  — Brendan Connelly (@BConn63) May 18, 2022

• These third quarter issues go well beyond this one-to-one game link. They’ve been a constant theme for the Celtics going back to the start of the 2022 playoff run.

  Here’s a look a three sets of splits of average scoring differential by quarter – one is for the 2023 playoffs (prior to Wednesday’s game), one for the 2022 playoffs, and one for just the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals.

• Celtics average scoring margin by quarter: 2023 playoffs

  1st: +1.8
  2nd: +3.6
  3rd: -1.1
  4th: +2.1

• Celtics average scoring margin by quarter: 2022 playoffs

  1st: 0.0
  2nd: +3.0
  3rd: -1.5
  4th: +2.0

• Celtics average scoring margin by quarter: 2022 Eastern Conference Finals vs. Heat

  1st: +2.4
  2nd: +3.4
  3rd: -1.9
  4th: +1.3

• Notice the pattern? Not only have weak third quarters been a lasting problem for the Celtics, that problem has been exacerbated by the Miami Heat. Granted, the Celtics were still able to best the Heat in the ECF last year, but that game with a narrow Game 7 win. The margin for error is small, and it will be tough to overcome such issues two years in a row.

  So what’s causing these issues. To varying degrees, multiple key members of the Celtics suggested – at least in Wednesday’s case – it was a mentality issue.

  “I thought the first half was good. Then I thought we just let go of the rope in the third quarter,” Mazzulla said after the game. “Lost that sense of urgency.”

• 

  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 17: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics watches action during the third quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on May 17, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

• Marcus Smart shared a similar line of thinking after the game, talking about the history of third quarter struggles overall. “We get tired of doing the little things sometimes,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure we do those little things and we can’t get bored with those. And we got to realize what has got us to lead or what was working for us.”

  Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum suggested the issue needs and should get further study from the team. Asked about the overall struggles, he replied “I don’t know why, but I just know today we gave up some transition baskets. They got in a rhythm, they were comfortable, we didn’t close out the shooters, we gave up some offensive rebounds. In recent games I’d have to go back and watch. But tonight, that’s kind of what happened.”

  Whatever the cause, it’s something the Celtics need to prioritize getting fixed if they’re going to make the run at Banner 18 that’s been expected of them since early this season. They’ll have a day to look at it, before returning to action on Friday for Game 2 at TD Garden. Coverage of that game begins at 8 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub BetMGM Celtics Radio Network.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.