Why Joe Mazzulla went with head-scratching starting lineup in Celtics’ Game 7 loss
The Boston Celtics lost Game 7 of their playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers after head coach Joe Mazzulla made unexpected lineup changes following Jayson Tatum's injury. Mazzulla started Luka Garza, Ron Harper Jr., and Baylor Scheierman, players with limited starting experience, while benching regular starter Neemias Queta. Despite Queta's strong performance off the bench, the Celtics struggled offensively and were eliminated from the playoffs.
- ▪Jayson Tatum missed Game 7 due to a calf injury sustained in Game 6.
- ▪Joe Mazzulla started Luka Garza, Ron Harper Jr., and Baylor Scheierman, who collectively had only 29 starts during the season.
- ▪Neemias Queta, benched for the start, recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds in over 32 minutes off the bench.
- ▪The Celtics shot 13-for-49 from three-point range in the loss.
- ▪The 76ers advanced to face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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NBA Why Joe Mazzulla went with head-scratching starting lineup in Celtics’ Game 7 loss By Bryan Fonseca Published May 3, 2026, 2:05 p.m. ET Luka Garza, Ron Harper Jr. and Baylor Scheierman started a combined 29 games all season. 2026 Coach of the Year finalist Joe Mazzulla began the Boston Celtics’ season-ending Game 7 loss Saturday night with all three of them in the starting lineup once All-NBA staple Jayson Tatum was ruled out prior to gametime with a calf injury. Tatum, who returned in March after rupturing his Achilles almost exactly one year ago to the date, injured his other leg during Boston’s Game 6 loss on April 30, forcing him to be day-to-day. 5 Joe Mazzulla looks on during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7.
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