THE Boston Celtics remain atop the Eastern Conference standings, and their victory against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday clinched a playoff spot.
But an unexpected decision by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has become a hot topic.
In the fourth quarter, Celtics star Jaylen Brown intercepted a pass and sprinted the other way for an impressive dunk. The turnover caused a timeout, and Suns ahead Royce O’Neale attempted to shoot the ball shortly after the whistle.
Players often casually throw a shot that they know won’t count after the referees’ whistle, but coaches usually don’t attempt to challenge it.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden in Boston on March 14, 2024. (Bob DeChiara/USA Today Sports)
Mazzulla, an elder West Virginia Mountaineers shooter, rushed over and tried to block O’Neale’s three-point basket, which ultimately bounced off the rim.
LARRY BIRD STARS IN “HILARIOUS” ALLSTATE COMMERCIAL DURING THE OSCARS
Mazzulla offered an explanation for his actions during the post-match press conference.
“I saw a guy come in to try to shoot, and he wasn’t making one. And I didn’t want him to feel good going to the bench,” Mazzulla said. “[Boston Globe writer] Gary [Washburn] asked me a question about this a month ago, and it’s a rule of thumb. Guys don’t shoot in front of our bench to go back to their bench and feel good about themselves. If I’m going to ask the guys to compete, the staff has to do the same.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics walks on the court during the first quarter of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on May 29, 2023, in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Mazzulla suggested his efforts reflected the Celtics’ mindset.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the mindset and the approach we take, and that’s within the rules of the game. It’s about setting the tone, and that’s just it,” Mazzulla said.
“One of the biggest pet peeves is thinking a guy is going to get a free shot, and that’s not how it works. If we want to hold our team to a standard, we demand the same of our staff. There were times there where we missed it, and I held the staff accountable. And we have to do our best not to do that.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with Jrue Holiday (4) and Derrick White (9) at TD Garden on January 10, 2024, in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Celtics star Jayson Tatum seemed to approve of his coach’s aggressiveness.
“That’s who Joe is,” Tatum said with a smile. “So when he did it, I wasn’t caught off guard. I expect him or one of the coaches to do that. I have to like Joe for Joe’s sake.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Celtics players seemed to have taken note of Mazzulla’s belief in defense. The team’s defense ranks second in the NBA this season, allowing 110.4 points per 100 possessions.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
