Celtics Adjust Rotation Strategy as Tatum, Brown Embrace New Roles

LOS ANGELES — The Boston Celtics are tweaking their rotation strategy, with coach Joe Mazzulla reverting to a substitution pattern reminiscent of last season. Jayson Tatum, who previously played entire first and third quarters, is now receiving brief breaks late in the first and second quarters, allowing him to potentially play the entire fourth quarter if needed.

“We just kind of had a talk of, you know, things change, dynamics change,” Tatum said before playing 43 minutes in the Celtics’ 117-113 overtime win over the Clippers on Wednesday night. “[Kristaps Porzingis] came back [from injury]. What’s best for our team may be me starting the fourth quarter or whatever. And all of us, we’ve just got to be open-minded.”

The adjustment has also led to longer first-quarter runs for Jaylen Brown, who thrived in opening periods last year. Brown, who often subbed out midway through the first quarter this season, is now setting the tone early in games. “I feel like I’m usually the one that sets the tone for the team,” Brown said. “But, different year. Things get switched up and you’ve got to be all right with that.”

Mazzulla attributed the shift to the team finally being fully healthy, providing more flexibility in lineup combinations. “I think right now in the middle of the season, we’re doing a good job of just doing our best to be as consistent as possible,” Jrue Holiday said.

The Celtics’ starting group has shown improvement in recent games, outscoring opponents by 33 points over the last two contests. Against Orlando, Kristaps Porzingis controlled the first quarter, Tatum took over in the second, and Brown carried the offense late in the third. This rotation has allowed Tatum to run with bench-heavy lineups to start the second quarter, a strategy that worked well last season.

Tatum acknowledged the ongoing discussions with Mazzulla about the rotation. “It’s something me and Joe talk about,” Tatum said. “For most of the season, I was playing the whole first quarter and the third, and then we just kind of had a talk of, ‘Things change, dynamics change.’”

Brown echoed Tatum’s sentiment, emphasizing his willingness to adapt for the team’s success. “I’m willing to do whatever so long as it aids the team’s success and helps slumping players like [Derrick] White get back on track,” Brown said.

While the recent changes have shown promise, Mazzulla must determine whether to stick with what worked last season or continue experimenting to keep opponents guessing. The Celtics’ ability to adapt and maintain consistency will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.