Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla Joked With the Celtics During a Third Quarter Timeout To Lighten up Mood
The Boston Celtics came away with a win over the Washington Wizards at TD Garden, though it was not easy. The Wizards put up their most points in a half this season, leading 71-64.
The Celtics were able to get the crowd into it and make a big run in the third quarter, thanks to the dominance of Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum. The big man once again had one of his best games as a Celtic with 34 points, 11 rebounds, and two triples, shooting 9-18 from the field.
Tatum had 13 in the third, finishing with another MVP-caliber performance of 35 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks on 12-22 shooting.
To get Boston back into it and provide some energy to change the momentum, Joe Mazzulla said he told some jokes during a timeout.
"And I told a couple of jokes in the third quarter," Mazzulla said. "It broke the tension [and helped us] to just compete [and not focus on the score]."
Tatum also described how the jokes got the team loose and focused.
"Continue to find ways to win... Joe told us in one of the timeouts in the third, 'Somebody tell a joke, or somebody laugh or smile.'"
Jaylen Brown also mentioned how Mazzulla is trying more to put his personality in there.
Tatum said the Celtics put so much pressure on themselves that it can be counterproductive.
I told one joke, and he told a joke. His wasn't that funny," Tatum said. "But it was just to lighten up the moment."
Boston is now on a three-game winning streak, heading to Miami to face the Miami Heat for their third matchup of the season on Super Bowl Sunday on ABC at 2 p.m.
