East Notes: Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, Heat, Knicks

Celtics

Few times this season have the Celtics had an easier win than they did in their 143-110 blowout of the host Heat on Thursday. But coach Joe Mazzulla cautioned against getting too excited.

“This game was really good, but it means nothing at all in the grand scheme of things if we don’t take the lessons that we need to and apply it to the next game,” Mazzulla told reporters. “So, we’ll enjoy it until we get to the plane and then it’s on to the next one.”

• The Celtics’ 143 points were the most they’ve ever scored against Miami. Also, the 33-point margin marked Boston’s most lopsided victory over the Heat in 172 meetings, including the playoffs.
• Of course, it was the Heat who eliminated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals last season. “We just learned from last year, getting so close and not getting over that hump,” forward Jayson Tatum said.

Heat

• The Heat have lost five straight and have trailed by at least 24 points in three of them. 
• Guard Terry Rozier started just his second game with Miami and is clearly still getting adjusted to his new surroundings. He is 6-of-19 shooting in the two games combined, with both home losses.
• Coach Erik Spoelstra summed up the loss to the Celtics this way: “It was a humbling night. That’s for sure. They put us in our place tonight.”

Knicks

Forward OG Anunoby finished with 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting in the Knicks’ 122-84 home rout of the Nuggets.

“He’s getting more and more comfortable,” guard Jalen Brunson told reporters. “He played really well tonight. He was aggressive on both sides of the ball. That’s the OG we got, that’s the OG we saw playing against for a while.”

• Meanwhile, power forward Julius Randle wasn’t making a big deal about the win — despite some fans and media calling it a “signature” win over the defending champions. “I am not going to lie to you bro, it’s regular season. I could care less,” Randle said. “I like the fact that we won, first and foremost, you don’t want to be on that end. But we’re building the right habits. For me, it only matters in April.”