Facing the Heat in the conference final, Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics did not go far from a historic feat: overturning a 3-0 deficit in a series of playoffs. But Jimmy Butler and his band finally won Game 7 in Boston, ending a particularly eventful first season for the coach on the Celtics bench.
If the coach led his team to a successful regular season (57 wins), he failed on the essentials, which was to bring the title back to Boston after the loss to the Warriors in the Finals last year.
But as the long story goes The Athleticthe context of his nomination and behind the scenes of the 2022 finalists season were far from particularly delicate…
A surprise arrival and a weakened staff
We remember that Joe Mazzulla (34 years old only) was appointed coach of the Celtics following the unexpected dismissal of Ime Udoka, who had violated the rules of the franchise, by having an extramarital relationship with a member of his staff.
Ime Udoka’s first assistant, Will Hardy, left to train Utah, the Celtics therefore bet on an internal promotion, of an assistant who was however only in the middle of the hierarchy of the staff. A choice that surprised the other assistants, especially since many had come to Boston to work with the now new Rockets coach. Also, some players were more expecting Damon Stoudamire to take over from Ime Udoka.
The departure of the former Toronto playmaker during the season, in March precisely, to join Georgia Tech and the NCAA was not without consequences in the locker room. Damon Stoudamire was close to the players, and with his experience in the NBA, he knew how to understand them and talk to them. His departure and that of Will Hardy weighed heavily, especially since they were not replaced for this 2022/23 financial year.
A change in philosophy assumed and then challenged
After his surprise promotion, Joe Mazzulla wanted to put in place a new philosophy of play, more focused on attack. He did without Robert Williams III, often injured, to integrate Derrick White in the five major. A choice that paid off at the start of the season. The Celtics were impressive offensively and walked the competition. As the offensive difficulties had been exposed during the Finals against Golden State, the coach had perhaps found the solution.
Except that over time, this desire to score a lot was no longer enough. The defense showed signs of weakness and, in difficult moments, the players were left to their own devices by their coach. The latter wanted them to find solutions on the fly, without downtime.
“There are times for the players to learn and others when we probably needed a time-out”notes Malcolm Brogdon. “Joe Mazzulla will be the first to admit it. He did sometimes. »
Internally, the players then began to challenge this attacking philosophy, which placed less emphasis on defense as in 2021/2022. Veterans also wondered why Grant Williams was left out when he was valuable during the 2022 playoffs, when Marcus Smart sometimes had to recall the instructions in defense, visibly a little confused, after time-outs.
Finally, during the playoffs, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum squarely went to see their coach to ask him to put Robert Williams back in the five major. Joe Mazzulla agreed and the return of the center changed the face of the end of the series against the Sixers.
A coach who learns but needs help
But the damage was done, Malcolm Brogdon said after the elimination against the Heat: Boston’s defense was not at the level this season to hope to win the title. In addition, even if the 2022 finalists snatched a Game 7 in this conference final, we cannot forget the coach’s words after the defeat of Game 3. The latter then spoke of “disconnection” between him and his players…
What to call into question the continuation of his adventure in Boston, given the season which has just taken place? “No”, already answered the president of the franchise, Brad Stevens.
“I think he is the best coach for this team. He did a great job with this group.” believes the former Boston coachnow in the role of leader. “We must not overreact after each game. He is a great leader, who will progress having learned this season. We believe in him. Was it perfect? Would he like to go back on certain points? All coaches want it. »
Joe Mazzulla is therefore confirmed for next season, but Brad Stevens also made it clear that he needed support, with experienced assistants, even former coaches and former players, by his side. It will be necessary to avoid mistakes this season after the departures of Damon Stoudamire and Will Hardy.
Especially since three Celtics assistants (Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles and Mike Moser) will soon take the direction of Houston, to find Ime Udoka.
