Morning Sports Update
“Boston did what they were supposed to do. They’re a better basketball club, and they showed it tonight.”
Joe Mazzulla talking to Neemias Queta during the Celtics’ win over the 76ers on March 1. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
March 2, 2026 | 10:55 AM
2 minutes to read
Celtics draw praise: Following Sunday’s 114-98 win over the 76ers, the Celtics elicited compliments from the crew of former NBA players now working as NBC analysts.
Speaking about the Celtics’ established identity as a team, Carmelo Anthony noted that Boston was patient against Philadelphia before opening up the gap in the second half.
“They showed it tonight,” he said of the Celtics’ idenity. “The first half they were still trying to figure out their momentum, their rhythm, what they were going to do, the adjustments that they were going to make.
“Halftime obviously they made their adjustments, and everybody stepped up,” Anthony explained.
Praising the play of Celtics star Jaylen Brown along with center Neemias Queta’s big night (he tied Brown for the team lead in points with 27), Anthony cited the collective strategy facilitated by head coach Joe Mazzulla.
“And then everybody else on the team played that Mazzulla basketball way,” Anthony added. “Play fast, get up and down the court, shoot threes. But guess what? They’re going to defend, they’re going to stop you, and [they’re] going to make it pretty tough for you to get a basket.”
Fellow analyst (and ex-NBA player) Tracy McGrady concurred with Anthony, adding that the Celtics’ shot-making on Sunday aligned perfectly with the strategy.
“When you’re making shots on the offensive end, you’re going to have more energy on that defensive end. They were flying around on that defensive side,” he said.
“Boston did what they were supposed to do,” McGrady concluded. “They’re a better basketball club, and they showed it tonight.”
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics defeated the 76ers 114-98 on Sunday. Boston will face the Bucks in Milwaukee tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The Bruins host the Penguins tomorrow at 7 p.m.
And on Thursday, the Boston Fleet face the New York Sirens in Newark, New Jersey at 7 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
Building on a big first half: Neemias Queta’s career night on Sunday was built on a strong first half. The Celtics’ center finished with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks.
On this day: In 1980, the Bruins lost to the Rangers 2-1. Elsewhere, the Celtics defeated the Pistons 118-115 thanks to an excellent performance from rookie Larry Bird (41 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists). Boston head coach Bill Fitch offered a succinct summary of the game afterward, citing big plays in the fourth quarter from Dave Cowens and M.L. Carr amid Bird’s greatness.
“We got a big shot by Dave and a very big defensive play by M.L., but for 47 minutes Larry Bird carried us,” Fitch acknowledged, according to Boston Globe reporter Bob Ryan.
Daily highlight: As Japan’s national team prepares for the World Baseball Classic, Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida absolutely destroyed a baseball during an exhibition game against his old team, the Orix Buffaloes.
Masataka Yoshida just LAUNCHED a homer in an exhibition game against his former team the @Orix_Buffaloes.
Exit Velo: 108.4. Distance: 415 FT. Upper deck blast. Been a long time since we’ve seen those dumbbells get broken out. 💪pic.twitter.com/ojVv3h2uMH
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) March 2, 2026
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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