Mike Conley Makes First Start for Boston Celtics Against Bucks

Mike Conley made his first start in a Boston Celtics uniform during a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, Basket USA reported.

The veteran point guard recorded his 1,143rd career start after head coach Joe Mazzulla inserted him into the opening lineup alongside Derrick White, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta.

At 39 years old and playing his 20th NBA season, Conley filled a reserve role for the vast majority of his brief playing time in Boston prior to the trip to Milwaukee. He had appeared in only three games with an average of seven minutes per contest before the coaching staff adjusted the starting five.

The new starting combination did not click immediately at Fiserv Forum, as Boston fell into an early 20-6 hole during the opening five minutes. Conley quickly exited for the bench before returning to action in the second half.

In ten minutes of total floor time, Conley finished with three points, three rebounds, and one assist as the Celtics secured a comfortable victory. Basket USA noted that his previous season-high in minutes came during a prior win over Charlotte, where he logged 11 minutes of action.

Joe Mazzulla explained that the decision to start Conley stemmed from the veteran’s defensive intensity during the previous victory against Charlotte. The Boston coach praised his guard’s pressure on opposing ball-handlers.

Mike had done an excellent job at the start of the fourth quarter against Charlotte, with his pressure on the ball carrier and his defensive activity, Mazzulla said, according to Basket USA. I wanted to find that right at the start of the game.

Mazzulla dismissed the notion that the slow start was Conley’s fault, noting that the team’s early deficit originated on the offensive end. I found his minutes very good, Mazzulla added. He allowed us to create some simple two-on-one situations.

Conley acknowledged before the season that his role with the Celtics would often require leadership from the sideline rather than heavy minutes on the court. He noted that he stays prepared to play every night despite a reduced workload.

This is part of the job at this stage of my career, Conley said, as reported by Basket USA. I understand that there will be many games during which I will not play. Sometimes, the team will need me on the field. At other times, I will be only a voice for a long part of the season.

Mazzulla highlighted Conley’s professionalism and value to the coaching staff beyond his on-court production. The Boston coach described the veteran as an extension of the staff who offers high-level guidance to younger players.

He has absolutely seen everything, Mazzulla said. He is an extension of the staff and one of the leaders of the team. He gives us great feedback and he is also someone you can exchange ideas with.

More on Boston Celtics: Boston Celtics defeat Milwaukee Bucks without Jayson Tatum · Hugo González starts as Boston Celtics defeat Milwaukee Bucks · Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics to meet at Fiserv Forum