Boston Celtics Look to Repeat as NBA Champions, But Coach Joe Mazzulla Says There’s No Pressure
The Boston Celtics are set to begin their title defense on Tuesday night, but head coach Joe Mazzulla is downplaying the pressure to repeat as champions. In a recent interview, Mazzulla stated that there’s “zero pressure” on his team to win it all again.
A Matter of Perspective
Mazzulla’s reasoning is simple: in the grand scheme of things, basketball is just a game. “We’re all going to be dead soon, and it really doesn’t matter anymore,” he said. “So there’s zero pressure.” Instead of feeling weighed down by expectations, Mazzulla sees the opportunity to build on the Celtics’ rich history and tradition.
A Strong Foundation
The Celtics have a solid foundation to build on, having cruised through the regular season last year and dominating in the playoffs. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they return their entire starting lineup and most of their bench. As a result, they’re favored to win it all again.
No External Validation Needed
Mazzulla emphasized that his team’s identity and worth aren’t tied to external validation. “There’s nothing anyone in this circle can do to me that’s gonna impact my identity and who I am as a person or a coach,” he said. “We’re either gonna win or we’re not, and 40 years from now, none of you are invited to my funeral and that’s it.”
A Legacy to Uphold
The Celtics have a storied history, with 16 NBA titles won between 1957 and 1986. The current team is aware of the legacy they’re trying to uphold, with guard Payton Pritchard stating that winning multiple championships is the key to greatness. “A lot of people can do it once,” Pritchard said. “But winning it multiple times, creating almost like a dynasty, that’s hard to do.”
The Quest Begins
The Celtics’ quest for another title begins against the New York Knicks, who have positioned themselves as Boston’s top competition in the East. Mazzulla is confident that his team will be ready, citing their understanding of what it takes to win and their appreciation for the intangibles that contribute to success. “You have to appreciate it,” he said. “But you’ve got to know what got you there and if you forget what got you there, you’ll never get back.”
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