Boston Celtics head coach has a knack for the passionate. He famously quipped there’s “no such thing as too intense” last season, and more recently shared he’s not interested in making friends while on the job. He believes playing with an edge can be a competitive advantage.
This dynamic extends to his star players, namely Jayson Tatum. In recent years, Tatum has had a knack for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, something Mazzulla has praised in the past. That much was true Friday night during Boston’s win over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Tatum earned an ejection in the third period after an offensive foul and subsequent conversation with the referees. And although the Celtics went on to win the game despite losing their best player prematurely, it was a point of conversation afterward. Mazzulla seemed unmoved when asked how he responded postgame with Tatum.
“I smiled, gave him a hug,” Mazzulla said. “Laughed it off.”
What Philadelphia 76ers fans think of their team vs. the Boston Celtics https://t.co/1Pn3RDMyBZ pic.twitter.com/DFWBhBkdeC
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 1, 2023
The play in question came late in a third period. Tatum took issue with an offensive foul call, and after a frank exchange of words with the refs, he was issued his second technical of the night and promptly ejected from the game.
Jayson Tatum gets ejected pic.twitter.com/46gXGx2YzW
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) December 2, 2023
For Mazzulla, this energy is crucial. As the coach explained, it belies a care and concern from Tatum, something he admires.
“I like some of that,” Mazzulla said. “I think some of that is important.”
Mazzulla conceded there are times where too much emotion can be a hindrance for a player or a team. Tatum echoed those sentiments during his own postgame comments as well.
Celtics survive frisky Sixers, Tatum ejection as Boston defeats Philly 125-119 https://t.co/0HQnIVl3rl pic.twitter.com/2Bq1Mk798c
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 2, 2023
“I think that type of passion and caring about it – I’d rather see that than nothing at all” Mazzulla added.
This was Tatum’s second career ejection, and the All-Star forward is now tied for third in the NBA with four technical fouls on the year. For what it’s worth, Tatum’s teammate Kristaps Porzingis leads the league with 8 technicals this the season. All the same, Mazzulla isn’t too worried.
New episode of the Celtics Lab Podcast on YouTube via @CLNSMedia ☘️🧪📺
Ahead of Friday's Celtics-Sixers game, what is the pecking order in the East? With @Ky_Carlin
Sponsored by: @FDSportsbook https://t.co/9RACqdOkhl
— Celtics Lab Podcast (@CelticsLab) December 1, 2023
“Sometimes pick and choose your spots,” Mazzulla said. “But I’m not going to say anything to him.”
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
