Joe Mazzulla explained why he thinks Celtics deal with an ‘entitlement’ narrative despite success
"This expectation [that] it’s supposed to go a certain way all the time, it can be extremely unhealthy."
Joe Mazzulla on the “entitlement” narrative he sees around the Celtics: The Celtics overcame a double-digit deficit to earn a 118-112 win over the Pelicans on Monday. The win was powered by a strong second half (particularly the fourth quarter, in which the Celtics outscored New Orleans 37-25).
Following the game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about the team’s struggles in the first half (specifically the second quarter). He appeared to take issue with the assertion.
“You thought the second quarter was bad?” Mazzulla replied to Bobby Manning of CLNS Media. When Manning pointed out that Boston only managed 25 points, the Celtics’ coach responded by noting, “We only gave up 24.”
Manning explained that he was referencing the team’s offense, which improved significantly in the second half. Mazzulla concurred, but also used the moment to offer a theory: He thinks his team is held to unrealistic expectations.
“I think that’s the key, right?” said Mazzulla. “The first half is, there’s this sense of entitlement like we’re supposed to play amazing basketball every quarter, every game and that’s just not how it works.”
The second-year head coach elaborated, reiterating that his team had actually won the second quarter (25-24), but still trailed simply because of a poor first quarter.
“This expectation [that] it’s supposed to go a certain way all the time, it can be extremely unhealthy,” he continued. “We have to continue to play regardless, down five, up eight, it doesn’t matter. I thought the momentum changed for us in the second quarter when we finally started to defend.”
Speaking to the team’s offensive talent, Mazzulla emphasized that the Celtics shouldn’t be judged on simply their current shooting percentage.
“We can’t be defined by a result,” he said. “If we’re only gonna feel good about ourselves when the ball’s going in then that’s a recipe for short term success.”
Later in the press conference, Mazzulla was asked to clarify who he thinks is looking at his team as entitled.
“I don’t think it’s the team personally. I think it’s just this general narrative of like it’s just supposed to go our way all the time,” Mazzulla explained. “I think it just happens. Being down 10 in the NBA is really not foreign, too.”
Yet given that Boston holds an 36-11 record (best in the league), it seems unlikely that Mazzulla’s Celtics will be able to shake the weight of high expectations anytime soon.
Trivia: Amid all of the legendary championship teams in Celtics history, the version that had the best regular season record came in the 1972-73 season (when Boston was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Knicks). Who was the Celtics’ leading scorer that season?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was drafted 10 years earlier out of Ohio State.
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics defeated the Pelicans 118-112 on Monday. Boston will be back in action tonight at TD Garden, hosting the Pacers at 7:30 p.m.
The Bruins return to the ice on Feb. 6 at home against the Flames following the NHL All-Star break.
This Sunday, Boston’s PWHL team play Montreal at the Tsongas Center at 3:30 p.m.
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Peter Schrager’s ideas for Bill Belichick’s media career: The NFL Network host offered some humorous options if Belichick isn’t coaching in 2024.
Jessie Diggins at it again: On-and-off again Southie resident Jessie Diggins won her fifth World Cup race of the season on Sunday in Goms, Switzerland. The 32-year-old kept pace in her quest for a second overall season World Cup win, doing so despite almost missing the race after forgetting to set her alarm clock.
On this day: In 2019, the Revolution completed the then-club record signing of midfielder Carles Gil. Added as a “Designated Player,” New England acquired the Spanish playmaker from Deportivo La Coruna for a $2 million transfer fee.
In return, Gil has given the Revolution several of the best seasons of his career to this point, including winning MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2019 and league MVP in 2021. Whenever his run in New England is over, there is no doubt he will rank among the best signings in club history.
Daily highlight: Arthur Cabral helped Portuguese powerhouse Benfica to a 4-1 win on Monday with a spectacular bicycle kick goal.
Trivia answer: John Havlicek
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