Before Wednesday’s season opening, Joe Mazzulla conceded that the Celtics lacked an identity last season. The conditions surrounding the start of the training camp just did not provide them adequate time. But, with so much planning going into this season, Mazzulla underlined the significance of establishing one.

“Humility. Mindset. Toughness. Passion. Togetherness. “Just be mean,” Mazzulla said. “So we’ll see if that happens.”

The first test was conducted on Wednesday. The Celtics, who had been in command for the majority of their opener, abruptly let go of the rope. They were disintegrating. The Knicks and their adoring Madison Square Garden fans could smell blood. But they never got to try it.

With their superior top-end talent, the Celtics are expected to easily advance to the conference finals, if not win the championship. However, Wednesday revealed that they are, predictably, not near to completion. On Wednesday, they used their freshly established identity to grind out a 108-104 victory over the Knicks.

Jayson Tatum scored 34 points and Kristaps Porzingis added 30 points in his Celtics debut, propelling them on both ends and leading them to this thrilling victory. The C’s trailed for the first time in the fourth quarter, but rallied late with defense and determination to win their season opener.

There will be more…