Every NBA coach is unique, but one contender’s head man might be the most interesting.
The Boston Celtics won their playoff opener on Sunday, earning a 103-86 win over the Orlando Magic to take a 1-0 lead as they begin their title defense. While the Celtics’ roster deserves most of the credit for their success, it doesn’t hurt to have a coach like Joe Mazzulla patrolling the sideline.
Late in Sunday’s win, Mazzulla went viral for his reaction to Jayson Tatum’s apparent right wrist injury. After Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope committed a flagrant foul against Tatum as he went for a finish, Tatum braced his landing with his hands and appeared to injure his right wrist.
After Tatum stayed down for a few seconds, Boston’s medical staffers began to make their way to the superstar. However, Mazzulla stopped them and began yelling at Tatum to get up.
Eventually, Tatum got up and all was fine with his wrist. Asked about the moment after the game, Mazzulla’s response was simple. He told reporters that moment was simply “love.”
There is no doubt that Mazzulla’s coaching style and approach with his players are among the most unique in basketball, but it clearly has a positive impact. Mazzulla’s toughness and enthusiasm on the sidelines have been a trademark of the Celtics over these past three years with him at the helm.
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From his odd responses at press conferences to antics on the bench, Mazzulla has set the tone for the Celtics along the way to becoming NBA champions. With Boston looking to repeat and win its second title under Mazzulla, his attitude toward situations like Tatum’s give a glimpse into how the team has operated.
With Tatum good to go for Game 2, the Celtics will look to take a commanding lead in their first-round series.
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