Joe Mazzulla Explains Not Taking Timeouts in Celtics' Game 4 Loss to Sixers

Joe Mazzulla's timeout usage has been a hot topic this season. He's consistently challenged the Celtics to play through runs by the opposition, forcing his team to figure it out on the fly.

The first-year bench boss has demonstrated flexibility with that approach as he gets more comfortable managing games. But down the stretch in regulation and overtime of Boston's 116-115 Game 4 loss to the Sixers, Mazzulla repeatedly opted against taking a timeout to help stage a counterstrike.

Even though Philadelphia outpaced the visitors 7-2 in the final two minutes, the Celtics had three possessions in that stretch, scoring on one and getting good shots on all three, including a clean look at a game-winning three by Marcus Smart.

And in overtime, James Harden, who, after getting showered in criticism since an underwhelming Game 3 performance where he repeatedly passed up open looks, met the moment.

The former MVP stuffed the stat sheet with 42 points, nine assists, and four steals, all game-highs. He also grabbed eight rebounds and only committed one turnover.

And after Jaylen Brown made the mistake of helping off him in the corner to aid Jayson Tatum in trying to stop Joel Embiid from scoring at the rim, Harden buried a three that put the Sixers ahead by one, 116-115, with 19 seconds left.

Again, Mazzulla declined to take a timeout.

And again, Boston created a quality look at a three for Smart. The problem is it took too long to initiate the offense, and the Celtics' floor general made the shot, but it didn't leave his hand in time, as Philadelphia salvaged what would've been a back-breaking loss, putting them down 3-1 with the series returning to TD Garden.

After the game, Mazzulla explained why he consistently decided against utilizing timeouts.

Joe Mazzulla addressees not calling a timeout before final possession of OT, & how he felt about the C's offense in Game 4 pic.twitter.com/o6eFGoJJTb
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 7, 2023

Further Reading

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 4 Loss to Sixers: Boston Falls One Play Short of 3-1 Lead

Joe Mazzulla Sheds Light on Keys to Celtics' Defense Stifling Sixers in Game 3 Win

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Sixers: Boston Shows Its Championship-Mettle, Takes 2-1 Series Lead

Joe Mazzulla Shares His Perspective on Balancing What's Working with Need for Adjustments

Celtics Head to Philadelphia Intent on Proving Themselves: 'It Doesn't Mean Anything if There's No Carryover'

Celtics Praise Jaylen Brown for Setting Tone in Game 2 Win vs. Sixers: 'It's as Good of a Game as I've Ever Seen Him Play'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 2 Win vs. Sixers: Renewed Defensive Commitment, Three-Point Barrage Even the Series

Film Room: Recalibrating Celtics' Defense for Game 2 Against Sixers

Celtics Address Letting Guard Down in Game 1 Loss to Sixers Team Missing Joel Embiid

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Loss vs. Sixers: The Perplexing Defeats Have Become More Predictable