Mazzulla says the pressure on the Celtics is coming from comparisons to Cavs and Thunder: "Oh, you're not as good because you're not them."

Joe Mazzulla and Ime Udoka, former colleagues on the Celtics’ coaching staff, now lead the teams with similar defensive schemes. Their shared history and coaching philosophies were evident in this game,

Twenty-four hours after outlasting the Timberwolves in Minnesota, Boston manhandled the Houston Rockets on Friday, cruising to a 109-86 demolition of one of the NBA’s best defensive teams. The Celtics won both games without Jaylen Brown,

Here are four Celtics takeaways from Friday’s game:

With Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kornet guarding the rim, Houston and coach Ime Udoka had a rough time in Boston's 109-86 win.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is known for his honesty in press conferences. Mazzulla, who has been at the helm with the Celtics since taking over as

Atkinson took over essentially the same roster as a season ago and has turned it into an East-leading contender.

HOUSTON -- - Derrick White had 23 points and ... Boston was up by 21 points with about 4 1/2 minutes to go when coach Joe Mazzulla cleared the bench. Porzingis added 11 points with five rebounds ...

Derrick White had 23 points and Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard added 20 each to lead the Boston Celtics to a 109-86 victory over the Houston ... to go when coach Joe Mazzulla cleared the ...