Joe Mazzulla looking beyond the numbers at generating momentum for Celtics

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty ImagesJoe Mazzulla looked down at the stat sheet in front of him knowing the Celtics averted disaster on Opening Night. The Knicks pummeled Boston on the boards, forced 13 turnovers and shot more three-pointers. New York generated a staggering 20 more field goal attempts than the Celtics — who won thanks in large part to twelve Knicks missed free throws.

“It was definitely a flip of the box score,” Mazzulla joked. “We shot less threes, we shot more twos. I’m sure everyone’s happy.”

The Celtics’ adherence to winning those four factors became Mazzulla’s primary focus as head coach last year. This year, he displayed a focus on other areas that allowed…