It might be called ‘Mazzulla Ball,” but the man behind the name of the Boston Celtics style of play over the course of the last few seasons does not think too much about what it is, or the debate that has raged about its efficacy over the years. And to be fair, the Celtics coach has an NBA title to show for the way Boston plays, but when it comes to the definition of “Mazzulla Ball,” the West Virginia alum just points to how he sees the Celtics style of play as working.
“We find the two-on-one and the most important thing is executing at both ends of the floor,” said Mazzulla of that play style via Boston Globe Celtics beat writer Gary Washburn. “I don’t pay too much attention to that.”
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“I hope it turns into Celtics basketball,” he continued. “I’m not the one who’s playing. I’m not shooting. I’m not doing anything. It’s the players that are executing. It’s really just Celtics basketball.”
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 29: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla listens to a question during Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“Every year we look at the guys we have on our team, and we pinpoint what gives us the best chance to win, the best chance to execute on the offensive end,” added the Celtics coach.” I’d like to look at (that) as Celtics basketball.”
“I have absolutely nothing to do with most of that. We’ll do whatever we have to (in order) to win that particular night.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics coach downplays role in ‘Mazzulla Ball’ in favor of optimization
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