Joe Mazzulla's mind games are already working on Anfernee Simons

Joe Mazzulla gave Anfernee Simons a backhanded compliment that seems to be driving him to better results.

Boston Celtics v Minnesota Timberwolves | David Berding/GettyImagesBoston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla hasn't needed long to challenge Anfernee Simons to improve defensively. He praised Simons as being better than anticipated, but true to form, Mazzulla did so in a way that was both encouraging and brutally honest about the work that needs to be done.

Thankfully, Simons appears to be reacting favorably to the mind games that may very well unlock an entirely new level of his untapped All-Star potential.

Boston acquired Simons in the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail…