As the game unfolded, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla sensed the urgency and refused to let momentum slip away from his team. A pivotal moment arose when Horford and Brunson engaged in a heated exchange after a physical play in the paint, with Horford visibly upset as he confronted the officials. This clash, though intense, showcased the sportsmanship between two of the NBA’s most respected players, underscoring the high stakes of the postseason.