Atlantic Division Roundup: Mazzulla brushes off Coach of the Year chatter, McBride questionable, Barnes builds All-NBA résumé, Quickley in walking boot, Nets prospects finish strong
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Boston — The Celtics collected their 50th victory on Sunday and remain in control of the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, a performance that has thrust first-year head coach Joe Mazzulla into the Coach of the Year discussion. Mazzulla wants no part of it.
“I don’t need it. I think it’s a stupid award,” he told reporters Monday, stressing that the credit belongs to players and staff. “I really don’t ever want to be asked or talk about it again. It’s just that dumb.”
The coach was far more receptive to individual recognition for his players after Jayson Tatum secured this week’s Player of the Week honor, calling the award “a good, small affirmation” of the forward’s progress following an Achilles tear.
Knicks
Guard Miles McBride, recently back from sports-hernia surgery, appeared to tweak the injury Sunday but avoided significant damage. New York listed him as questionable for Tuesday’s game in Houston. He participated in portions of the morning shootaround, according to team reporters.
Raptors
Scottie Barnes is averaging 18.6 points but continues to influence games as a rebounder, facilitator and defender. His 211 combined steals and blocks trail only MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama’s 248, a stat line The Athletic contends should vault Barnes into All-NBA consideration.
Meanwhile, guard Immanuel Quickley missed a fourth straight contest Monday with right foot plantar fasciitis. The third-year guard traveled with the club to Detroit but remains sidelined and is wearing a walking boot — standard treatment for the condition. Toronto hopes to manage the issue well enough for Quickley to return before season’s end, though he is unlikely to be fully healthy until next year.
Nets
Brooklyn is already eliminated from postseason contention, yet late-season development continues to be a bright spot. Forward Ziaire Williams has scored at least 16 points in five consecutive games ahead of the team’s decision on his $6.25 million option this summer. Rookie Drake Powell has also strung together encouraging performances as his roller-coaster debut campaign winds down.
The Atlantic Division clubs return to action throughout the week, each balancing playoff pushes, injury management and player evaluations as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Source: Hoops Rumors
