The Celtics suffered a disappointing loss to the 76ers during Game 4, having battled back from down 16 points to force overtime before James Harden hit a late, game-winning three.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla had two timeouts in hand during the final possession of Sunday’s game but opted against using one. Instead, he let the Celtics’ offense bring the ball up the court and run a play, which resulted in Jayson Tatum driving to the basket and dishing the ball to Marcus Smart, who was just late on a three-point attempt to win the game.
The decision from Mazzulla to hold onto his timeouts drew plenty of reactions from fans on Twitter. Even Magic Johnson weighed in with some critical comments on the final possession. The general consensus among those watching from home was that Mazzulla made an error in not calling timeout, and ultimately ended up costing the Celtics a chance to take a 3–1 lead.
I thought Celtic’s Head Coach Mazzulla made a mistake not calling a timeout and setting up a play in the final seconds of the game.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 7, 2023
Joe Mazzulla realizing he can't save those two timeouts for Game 5. pic.twitter.com/O5qzMYpdpq
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) May 7, 2023
Hey Joe Mazzulla, the reason you call timeout is to advance the ball and save one second. pic.twitter.com/HxJssMNybN
— Per Sources (@PerSources) May 7, 2023
If Mazzulla sees Tatum isn't going to go, he has to call a timeout. HAS to.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 7, 2023
Joe Mazzulla didn't call a timeout at the end of the regulation. Ball ended up in Marcus Smart's hands. Miss. Decides to go the same route in OT. Shot ends up not getting off in time. Blown opportunity. I hate everything, again.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 7, 2023
Complete meltdown by Philadelphia, but Joe Mazzulla comes through in the clutch and James Harden carries the MVP.
— Brandon Anderson (@wheatonbrando) May 7, 2023
10 out of 10, no notes.
Two timeouts still on the board with the clock at 0.0.
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) May 7, 2023
What is Joe Mazzulla thinking when coaching this Celtics team? I’ve never seen game management this bad from a coach.
respects to joe mazzulla for holding onto timeouts like he can redeem them for cash after the game
— alex (@steven_lebron) May 7, 2023
The series is tied up at 2–2, with Game 5 to be played in Boston on Tuesday.
