In a recent interview, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about the pressure he feels to maximize the team’s championship window. His response was unexpected, yet thought-provoking.
In a tweet Mazzulla stated,
“We’re all gonna be dead soon, and it really doesn’t matter anymore, so there’s 0 pressure.”
Joe Mazzulla was asked if he feels any pressure to maximize the Celtics window.
His response: “We're all gonna be dead soon, and it really doesn't matter anymore, so there's 0 pressure.”
(via @RealBobManning) pic.twitter.com/naw0Kh1dfM
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 22, 2024
The Context of Joe Mazzulla’s Comment
Mazzulla’s comment came ahead of the Celtics’ title defense during the 2024-25 NBA season. The team is gearing up to face the New York Knicks in their season opener, and Joe Mazzulla’s response was part of a broader discussion about the expectations and pressures that come with being NBA champions.
Joe Mazzulla’s Philosophy on Pressure
Mazzulla emphasized that he doesn’t feel any pressure because, in his view, life is fleeting and the focus should be on the present moment. He stated, “You’re either going to win or you’re not. And when you win, you try to forget about it a week later and when you lose, you try to forget about it a week later. So it’s not pressure, it’s an opportunity.”
The Celtics’ High Expectations
Despite Joe Mazzulla’s laid-back approach, the Celtics are under immense pressure to repeat as champions. The team finished the previous season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and went on to win the NBA Finals. With star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, the expectations are sky-high for another successful season.
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