Joe Mazzulla’s Job Safe, But Celtics’ Future Depth a Looming Question

That’s according to Brian Robb of MassLive, who wrote in a recent mailbag that Mazzulla’s job is “likely safe” no matter how Boston fares against the Knicks. Still, Robb cautioned that financial realities loom large.

With a massive payroll and the looming impact of the NBA’s second tax apron, the Celtics are expected to shed some of their bench depth this offseason — meaning this year’s playoff run could represent Mazzulla’s best shot at navigating with a fully loaded roster.

If Saturday’s Game 3 blowout is any indication, Mazzulla’s current group still has another gear. Facing a 2-0 hole and questions about their identity, the Celtics stormed into Madison Square Garden and left with a commanding 115-93 win, snapping out of a brutal shooting funk that had defined the first two games.

“You’ve got to tap into your darkness,” Mazzulla said pregame. “It’s been dark, but in a good way.”

Boston shot 50% from beyond the arc (20-of-40) after connecting on just 25% in the first two games. Jayson Tatum bounced back with 28 points and five threes, while Payton Pritchard stepped up in extended minutes due to Jrue Holiday’s foul trouble, logging 35 minutes and hitting five triples of his own.

The Celtics didn’t let the Knicks breathe. They built a 31-point lead and never allowed New York to test them late. That’s been a theme this series — the Knicks have yet to lead at halftime or after three quarters. Boston’s goal for Game 4 will be to keep it that way.

Kristaps Porzingis remains on a short leash, playing just 19 minutes as he continues to battle the lingering effects of a virus that’s impacted his stamina for months. Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania the big man has dealt with “energy zaps” and a major crash in the lead-up to Game 1.

Even so, Mazzulla has managed his rotation on the fly, showing flexibility in riding hot hands and navigating foul trouble — a factor that may prove critical down the stretch of a tight series.

Whether Boston can finish the job and return to the Finals remains to be seen. But if this roster doesn’t stay intact much longer, this could be Mazzulla’s best chance.

Game 4 is Monday night in New York.