One of the toughest coaching jobs in the NBA this season was handed to Joe Mazzulla, with the Boston Celtics parting ways with Ime Udoka due to some behind-the-scenes drama.
Udoka had done an incredible job of changing the culture in Boston and getting the best out of stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, paving the way for an appearance in the NBA Finals.
Despite falling short to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, the Celtics proved to be a team on the rise, but after the Udoka incident, it was uncertain, to say the least, what they’d get out of the next coach.
Up to this point, Mazzulla has done an excellent job of keeping the Celtics playing at a high level, but a mistake in the Game 4 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers has sparked a reaction from Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
I thought Celtic’s Head Coach Mazzulla made a mistake not calling a timeout and setting up a play in the final seconds of the game.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 7, 2023
Johnson is about as vocal as any NBA superstar, as he seems to take to Twitter to share his thoughts after every big game, and Sunday was no different after the 76ers tied the series at two games apiece.
A first-year head coach will make mistakes like this, especially with the pressure being on during the playoffs.
However, Mazzulla has defied the odds in his first year coaching the Celtics, and unless he ultimately loses this series to the 76ers as a result of this coaching mistake in Game 4, he should be praised for what he’s been able to do in Boston this season.
NEXT: Fans React To Celtics Game 3 Win Over 76ers
