The pairing of Luca Garza – Neemias Cueta is unsustainable in Houston

One has to believe that Joe Macula learns from past failures. Last November, very early in the season, his Celtics mostly lost to the Rockets, who were especially unplayable on the rebound (53-36). that evening, Nehemiah Kueta was the only professional interior in Boston’s five.

Last nightwhile Jaylen Brown was on the sidelines, and Nikola Vucevic was not yet in uniform, the Portuguese team was joined by Luka Garza, who started for only the second time this season. It was necessary to respond to the now 100% “high ball” five of the Texans.

« It helped us on several fronts. It helped us in defense, obviously, but also in rebounding. In attack, it was easier for us to recognize matches. Thanks to that, it was a little easier for us to meet each other in our duels. And I thought these guys did a great job. », Congratulations to Joe Mazzullaunaccustomed this season to match such a five with two interiors.

The Celtics coach can logically divide the praise towards them. Because these two men have contributed greatly to Boston’s dominance in rebounding, a discipline in which the Rockets are No. 1 in the league.

« Neemi was somehow the best version of himself. And even though he only made 3-of-4 (on shots), we really felt his presence », notes the coach, whose team finished with 10 points and above all 19 rebounds, a new career record. In total, Boston grabbed 19 more rebounds than Houston (57-38).

Get jumps with both hands

« Being aggressive from the start… It was hard to go back-to-back. Given the way we played against them in the previous match, we wanted to come here and set the tone from the start with physical intensity. I think we managed to maintain this level throughout the match. That was the main factor in the win tonight », I played Cuetaalso the author of 5 blocks.

For him, the key to a great night on the jump was placing. ” Get in the zone early, make a layup screen, and go for both-handed jump shots. I did pretty well tonight. This is the goal I set for myself: to get the ball with both hands, at the highest point. After that, you have to have a bit of luck if someone knocks you down “, he admits.

In Dallas the day beforehe finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds, when his racket friend in Houston, Luca Garza, already excelled with his 16 points, based on a big 3-point skill that came from the “pick-and-pop”. on which he explained that he worked a lot. Last night’s performance was confirmed with 19 points (7/13 shooting including 2/7 from distance) and 6 rebounds.

« I thought Luca’s ability to make things difficult for (Alperen) Sengun, while helping us in attack, was excellent. These guys were great “, concludes Joe Macula, whose internal bet, undoubtedly for one night, paid off.