Joe Mazzulla didn’t wait for a problem to force his hand. He acted before it arrived.
With Joel Embiid nearing a return for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics coach has already begun reshaping his rotation — and that shift was on full display in Game 3.
Mazzulla leaned heavily on Nikola Vucevic in Friday’s 108-100 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, keeping the veteran big man on the floor for 31 minutes, including the entire fourth quarter. The decision helped the Boston Celtics take a 2-1 series lead — and may signal a larger strategic pivot as the matchup evolves.
Nikola Vucevic’s Expanded Role Pays Off in Game 3 Win
GettyNikola Vucevic is earning more minutes as the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers series goes deeper.
Vucevic delivered his most productive game of the series with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and three blocks, providing a steady interior presence while also stretching the floor.
The performance marked a notable jump from the first two games, where he averaged just 6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 18 minutes without recording a block.
His increased workload came as Neemias Queta battled foul trouble throughout the game, logging only 13 minutes. Rather than reverting to his usual rotation, Mazzulla stuck with Vucevic, trusting the 35-year-old to anchor key stretches on both ends.
“Yeah, that’s just our team,” Mazzulla said. “We can change matchups, lineups, sub patterns, it doesn’t matter. The guys care about winning. We have to be open-minded to that.”
Joe Mazzulla’s Rotation Flexibility Key to Celtics Strategy
The decision reflects a broader theme for Boston — adaptability.
“I thought Vuc stepped up for us big time tonight on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla added. “Anybody we put in has a chance to help us win.”
That flexibility has become essential in a series defined by physicality and shifting matchups in the frontcourt, particularly against Philadelphia’s rotating group of bigs.
Vucevic’s ability to space the floor was also a factor. He attempted nine 3-pointers, forcing the defense to stretch beyond the paint — a wrinkle that could become more valuable as the series progresses.
Vucevic Embraces Playoff Opportunity Amid Physical Series
For Vucevic, the extended run offered both responsibility and rhythm.
“You know the intensity, you know the stakes are much higher,” he said. “You have to bring your game up to a higher level, especially the physicality.”
The game featured heavy contact in the paint, with battles against Philadelphia’s interior players testing Boston’s depth.
“It’s fun to be part of these,” Vucevic added. “You want to play in the playoffs. You want to hopefully make a deep run.”
Joel Embiid’s Looming Return Raises Stakes for Game 4
GettyJoel Embiid looks on as the 76ers await his potential return during their playoff series against the Celtics.
Mazzulla’s decision to expand Vucevic’s role comes at a critical point.
Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ franchise centerpiece and former MVP, is nearing a return after undergoing an appendectomy. He participated in shootaround and walkthrough sessions ahead of Game 4, though he remains officially listed as doubtful.
His potential return would immediately reshape the series, placing added pressure on Boston’s frontcourt to handle a dominant interior presence.
That possibility makes Vucevic’s role even more significant.
Celtics Positioning for Next Phase of Series
Boston will look to extend its series lead in Game 4 on Sunday, but the approach may already be evolving.
With Queta’s foul issues lingering and Embiid’s status uncertain, Mazzulla’s willingness to adjust rotations could prove decisive.
For now, Vucevic has positioned himself as part of that equation.
“I mean, whenever you get a win and you’re able to help the team, it’s always fun,” Vucevic said. “It’s what you want to do… be in these moments, be able to deliver for your teammates.”
As the series shifts, Boston’s margin for error may narrow.
Mazzulla’s answer, at least for now, is simple: stay flexible — and ride the matchup that works.
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