Joe Mazzulla’s Boston Celtics were on a four-game winning streak when they locked horns against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined for this contest. While many expected the away team to be the favorites, the reality was contradictory to all and any expectations.
Being one of the legitimate title contenders in the 2022-23 NBA Season, they lost 117-150 to a side that was six games beyond .500 win-tally. Moreover, with Shai sidelined due to non-Covid illness, the Celtics did not see the incoming wrath of the other OKC Thunder players. This has just what had triggered Joe Mazzulla as he witnessed his team getting demolished.
As per Jay King, Head Coach – Joe Mazzulla said he told the Boston Celtics the same thing he did after they blasted the Suns: “Whether you win or lose, there’s a level of humility that you have to have in the NBA because those things happen. And effort and getting outplayed is unacceptable.”
Joe Mazzulla lashes out at his Boston Celtics squad
The frustration of the Boston Celtics’ HC is understandable. Those who witnessed the game will be aware of how badly a loaded Celtics squad was dominated. While the away side ran the same strategies, it seemed like OKC Thunder had all the required answers. Perhaps when Marcus Smart got ejected with him taking his second tech foul of the night, Mazzulla’s feelings were quite clear.
That being said, Joe Mazzulla could just chuck it up to being one of those bad days every team faces but the Celtics’ performance, especially on the defensive end of the floor against OKC Thunder should have tripped up more alarms for Boston. Will they be able to improve? Remains to be seen.
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