BOSTON — In a swift introduction to his new team, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla called upon Nikola Vučević just three minutes into Friday night’s game against the Miami Heat, a mere 48 hours after the Celtics acquired him from the Chicago Bulls. Vučević received an enthusiastic reception from the home crowd at TD Garden, with fans chanting “Vooch” as he made his debut in a Celtics uniform. He did not disappoint, contributing significantly with an impressive 11 points and 12 rebounds in just 28 minutes, playing a key role in Boston’s 98-96 comeback victory.
Despite the early cheers, Vučević remained grounded about his debut, recognizing that it was merely an initial step in the integration process with his new team. “It’s a work in progress,” he stated. “It’s not gonna happen overnight. It’s gonna take some time, but I can already see certain things we were on, and things we do where I’ll still be able to find my actions — still be aggressive, and do different things.”
The Celtics struggled in the first half, facing an underwhelming shooting performance that saw them hitting only 6 of 24 attempts and managing a mere 15 points in the first quarter. Their woes continued as they missed 19 consecutive 3-point attempts, leaving the crowd restless. However, instead of succumbing to the pressure, the team rallied together, showcasing resilience that has become a trademark of their season as they turned a 22-point deficit in the third quarter into an opportunity for growth.
Vučević highlighted the importance of building chemistry with his teammates, emphasizing the need for a gradual understanding of the Celtics’ system. “For a first game, it was good,” he remarked. “Obviously, we can continue to build on it and figure things out and get a feel for playing alongside each other out there on the court.”
Mazzulla praised Vučević’s dedication in preparing for the game despite the brief transition. He noted how Vučević absorbed the Celtics’ playbook and philosophies, which contributed positively to the team’s performance. “He did a great job from the day he got to Boston until tip-off, preparing for everything — our languages, our coverages, what we needed to do,” Mazzulla stated, adding that the collective effort and quick understanding of how Vučević could benefit the team were evident throughout the game.
Additionally, Vučević’s connection with former Orlando Magic teammate Amile Jefferson, who is now part of the Celtics coaching staff, helped ease his transition into the team. This familiarity, combined with Boston’s need for a versatile center who can stretch the floor, positions Vučević as a key asset moving forward.
Jaylen Brown expressed optimism about integrating Vučević into the lineup, highlighting the Celtics’ history with productive shooting centers. “I think we have a lot of room for improvement, so I’m looking forward to finding that sweet spot,” Brown said. “His game fits in with our team well, so it’ll happen.”
Vučević, known for his ability to score from the perimeter, has a proven track record as a reliable 3-point shooter and will contribute significantly to the Celtics’ offensive strategy. This currently includes a career 35.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, bolstered by a successful 37.4% this season.
His debut marked only the beginning of what the Celtics hope to cultivate as they work towards perfecting their chemistry on the court. With Vučević now on the team, Boston aims for consistent improvement as they pursue postseason aspirations in the competitive Eastern Conference. The home crowd’s support, palpable during the comeback against the Heat, reinforces the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, offering a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season.