Marcus Smart Explains Why Criticism Against Joe Mazzulla is Rightful

In the Boston Celtics’ 95-86 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla made a key adjustment. Mazzulla decided to start Robert Williams III over Derrick White, in order to set a double-big lineup.

Though the dynamic of Williams and Al Horford worked in getting the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, the two players started less than 15 times together throughout this season.

In a postgame press conference, Marcus Smart praised Mazzulla for his Game 6 strategy. Smart then agreed with ongoing criticism towards his head coach.

“I know he’s been killed a lot,” Smart said. “Rightfully so.”

Critics have expressed concern towards Mazzulla, who has less than a year of experience in managing a professional basketball team. The 34-year-old is also the youngest head coach in the NBA.

After Boston’s practice on Saturday, Smart clarified his comment about Mazzulla. The footage was captured by CLNS Media Boston Sports Network.

“Rightfully so in the matter of the fact of, just like us, when we go out there and we don’t play as good a game, or we don’t do things that we know we’re capable of or we should be doing, we get held accountable,” Smart said. “Joe’s not on the court. So he gets held accountable differently than we do, and that’s with certain things that he might do or might not do.”

Smart described the Celtics’ game plan as a collaborative effort.

“We’re all about winning. Whatever that takes. There’s things that we don’t see on the court that Joe sees. But there’s also things we see that Joe doesn’t see. We’re here to help each other. For that, being able to help him in ways where we’re letting him know like, we want to do this more. Allow us to do this. So we feel comfortable with him taking his time and him saying, ‘OK, I hear you guys, let’s do it.’ Or, ‘I hear you guys, I’ll take that into consideration, we talked about it, it didn’t work.’”

Though Mazzulla validates his players’ suggestions, Smart indicates that the decisions ultimately come down to his coach.

“But at the end of the day, it’s his decision. If it works, we don’t say nothing. If it doesn’t, then obviously you have to look at it. That’s the fun of taking the criticism and moving on, being coachable, being able to learn. The great players, the great coaches, they’re able to learn. Even if they make a mistake, they don’t let it deter him. They keep going and they learn from it.”

Game 7 of the Celtics-76ers playoff series is set for 3:30 pm on Sunday afternoon, in which the winner will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Smart compared the series to a heavyweight bout.

“It’s Frazier and Ali. You gotta be ready. Those first couple of rounds, teams are feeling good, round one, round two, we’re feeling good, they’re feeling good. Now it comes down, zero-zero, the last match, who’s going to win?”

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Issues Challenge to Celtics Fans: 'When the Garden Gets Going, There's Nothing Like it'

Celtics Praise Joe Mazzulla for Game 6 Adjustments That Helped Save Their Season

Celtics Discuss Jayson Tatum Rising to the Occasion, Forcing a Game 7

Here's What Stood Out in Game 6 Win vs. Sixers: Jayson Tatum's 16 Fourth Quarter Points Saves Celtics' Season

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Earn All-NBA Honors; Here's What That Means for Them and the Celtics

Celtics Share Their Perspective on Failing to Meet the Moment in Game 5 Loss to Sixers

Joe Mazzulla Explains Why He Didn't Take a Timeout in Celtics' Game 4 Loss to Sixers

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 3 Win vs. Sixers: Boston Shows Its Championship-Mettle, Takes 2-1 Series Lead

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