Joe Mazzula stands out as a unique figure. Besides watching The Town, dodging revolving doors, and playfully challenging opposing reporters in pickup basketball games, he’s well-known for his memorable press conferences. Recently, SI Kids’ young reporter asked Mazzula during Kids Day at the Garden how he balances pushing his players while keeping the game enjoyable. Mazzula responded candidly, admitting it’s challenging because everyone views “fun” differently. He emphasized that the team needs to find a shared definition of fun, warning that sometimes calling a game “fun” can be a weak excuse when things aren’t going well.
This season hasn’t felt ideal for the Celtics to just play for fun, especially after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, which forced the team to dismantle and rebuild quickly. Key players like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornette were let go to avoid an enormous roster cost, changing the team’s dynamics. Just two seasons ago, the Celtics looked poised for their 18th championship and possibly a dynasty, but now Neemias Queta is starting, with Mazzula working through 11 players getting significant minutes.
The Celtics have had an unusual season, shifting from a clear identity to an unpredictable journey resembling an “eat, pray, love” quest for their true style. Their performance has been inconsistent, winning by big margins one night and narrowly losing the next, providing captivating content for spectators. Their strategy has usually involved strong defense and leading the league in three-point attempts and makes, a formula still in play though less effective without some past key players. Derrick White is taking more shots than ever but struggles with shooting accuracy, while other players like Peyton Pritchard and Sam Hauser have had varied performances. Only Jaylen Brown has consistently improved this season.
Despite a less potent offense, the Celtics still prioritize three-point shooting, ranking second in attempts and sixth in makes. They hold solid overall ratings with a strong defensive presence but remain inconsistent, reflected in their 8-7 record, hovering near play-in positions. They struggle in transitions and scoring in the paint and have slowed down their pace compared to last season. However, they excel at limiting opponents’ fast-break points and capitalizing on turnovers. This season is marked by variability unlike previous Boston teams, but they have managed to remain competitive and tough opponents while awaiting Tatum’s recovery—a respectable feat given the challenges.
A telling moment in their recent Brooklyn win summed up the team’s experience: Mazzula missed three straight threes on one possession but rebounded all of them, prompting analyst Brian Scalabrine to declare, “This is a championship-worthy team! They’ve been there before.” This epitomizes the entertainment and resilience Celtics fans can expect, even in an unpredictable season.
Fan Take: This story matters because it highlights the resilience and adaptability of a storied franchise facing adversity, a scenario many teams can relate to. For basketball fans, it shows that even when stars are sidelined, teamwork and determination can create compelling, unpredictable basketball that keeps the sport exciting.
