Joe Mazzulla Receives Criticism for Handling of Final Play in Game 4 vs Sixers

Boston misses out on a huge opportunity to take a two-game lead in the Eastern Conference semis.

The Boston Celtics were seconds away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals over the Philadelphia 76ers before James Harden buried a corner three with 18 seconds left to take the lead. 

Boston still had plenty of time to either tie the game up or potentially even win it with a three. In most situations like this, teams will call a timeout to make sure they get the play they want. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to not use one of his two remaining timeouts and instead, let his team play it out.

Jayson Tatum took it strong to the paint and dished it out to Marus Smart from three but couldn't get the shot off in time, resulting in the Sixers tying up the series at two games a piece.

Marcus Smart had another chance to win it for the Celtics but comes up short again 😔

Boston loses to the Sixers in OT and the series is now tied at 2-2.pic.twitter.com/xaeQ8e7tZt

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 7, 2023

In his postgame press conference, the decision to not call a timeout was the first thing Mazzulla was asked.

“That was the play, we just had to play with a little more pace,” Mazzulla said. “We had the right matchup. Jayson got downhill, made the right play at the rim, we just had to play with a bit more pace there. But that was the play.”

Social media heavily criticized the decision and NBA great Magic Johnson was one of many that thought the final play of the game was mishandled. 

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

Joe Mazzulla realizing he can't save those two timeouts for Game 5. pic.twitter.com/O5qzMYpdpq

— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) May 7, 2023

Hey Joe Mazzulla, the reason you call timeout is to advance the ball and save one second. pic.twitter.com/HxJssMNybN

— Per Sources (@PerSources) May 7, 2023

Mike Budenholzer watching Joe Mazzulla refuse to use a timeout pic.twitter.com/xoaniciEAn

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 7, 2023

@BGlobeSports: 5.8.23
-@AdamHimmelsbach: C's out of (over)time to topple 76ers
-@Dan_Shaughnessy: It's time for Mazzulla to use his timeouts
-@GwashburnGlobe: Late-game execution has been inexcusable
-@PeteAbe: Sox bats silent, win streak ends at eight
-@APSE_sportmedia pic.twitter.com/YtHE5upMgG

— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) May 8, 2023

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