After the Boston Celtics dismantled the Brooklyn Nets 136-86 Wednesday night at TD Garden, it wasn’t just the margin of victory that got etched into the record books. The win marked head coach Joe Mazzulla’s 100th victory.
Since taking the reins at the beginning of the 2022-23 season, the 35-year-old Mazzulla has seen great success. He is now the fourth-fastest NBA coach to reach the 100-win milestone in the last 70 years, trailing only Steve Kerr, Tom Thibodeau, and Avery Johnson. When he was asked about reaching this mark in his career after the game, Mazzulla was quick to credit his players and staff.
“I told the guys, I think it’s something to be proud of,” Mazzulla said. “It’s something to be grateful for, and it’s just a testament to the people that you have around you.”
Celtics unravel Nets, Boston bests Brooklyn 136-86 https://t.co/oSLI5f2o7v pic.twitter.com/nEC82iKDxr
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 15, 2024
“This is a business of where individual success is highly talked about on a nightly basis,” Mazzulla said. “To have a group of people that you can share your success with is important.”
Mazzulla’s club is 43-12 at the time of this writing, with the top record in the NBA. Last season, the Celtics were also among the best in the Association, and Mazzulla believes he is just a piece of the puzzle for unlocking Boston’s potential.
“It really starts with the players, and I always tell them I can’t be who I am, if they don’t let me.”
Where does Jayson Tatum rank in latest ESPN MVP straw poll? https://t.co/sf1hDKCdhC pic.twitter.com/fDrav4f2KM
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 14, 2024
“And I appreciate that,” Mazzulla continued. “It’s a gift in coaching. You can’t always be in a situation where you have empowerment, or you don’t always have guys that allow you to be yourself.”
This Celtics team has one of the deepest, most well-rounded rosters in the NBA. But talent can only get you so far. Kudos and congrats to Mazzulla on the milestone, who insisted its his players who deserve the praise.
“It’s an important gift that the players give me, and they give it to each other. I think that’s important for us to continue to grow.”
Joe Mazzulla on why he 'absolutely endears' media criticism https://t.co/IeeALlWqbz pic.twitter.com/cMvaYYUrKe
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 15, 2024
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