Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is clearly hyper-focused on Monday’s NBA Finals Game 5, judging by his response to a question about what a title would mean to him.
Mazzulla on Sunday was asked what it would mean to him to join the legendary fraternity of Celtics coaches to win a championship, with the team up 3-1 and looking to close out the Dallas Mavericks at home. The Celtics coach was absolutely not willing to take the bait, refusing to even entertain the question.
Joe Mazzulla gives a blunt response after being asked what it would mean to him to join a list of legendary Celtics coaches to win the Finals:
"That'll never happen if you don't run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing" pic.twitter.com/Q9G87NHzXF
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 16, 2024
“That’ll never happen if you don’t run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing. That’s the most important thing,” Mazzulla replied.
In other words, Mazzulla is not even going there. Perhaps he will if and when the Celtics close out the series, but not a moment sooner.
Mazzulla has become well-known for his intense focus and his lack of interest in personal accolades. It has certainly helped the Celtics get this far, and they now sit one win away from the title.
