Basketball

Celtics under ‘zero pressure’ to repeat – Joe Mazzulla

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has revealed that his team is under zero pressure to replicate their previous championship run this season. The Celtics won their 17th NBA title after beating the Dallas Mavericks in the last editions’ NBA finals.

The Celtics will begin their NBA title defense against the New York Knicks on Tuesday and they will be determined to hit the ground running in a new season.

“We’re all going to be dead soon, and it really doesn’t matter anymore. So there’s zero pressure,” he told reporters Monday. “You have an opportunity to carry the organization forward, to double down on the tradition and history of what this organization has. And what else would you expect than someone expecting you to win all the time?”

The Celtics had a 64-18 record in the regular season in the previous season to top the Eastern Conference. The defending champions also had a 16-3 record in the playoffs.

“It’s not pressure,” Mazzulla said. “There’s nothing anyone in this circle can do to me that’s going to impact my identity and who I am as a person or a coach. We’re either going to win or we’re not, and 40 years from now, none of you are invited to my funeral and that’s it.”

Meanwhile, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard feels that to be considered among the Celtics greats, they will need to win another NBA ring.

“A lot of people can do it once,” Pritchard said. “I know a championship’s hard, but there’s a lot of people who have won one. But winning it multiple times, creating almost like a dynasty, that’s hard to do. So that’s greatness, and that’s something we’re trying to achieve.”

Mazzulla said that his team is ready for the upcoming season and will look to tick the right boxes.

“I trust who they are. I think they have an understanding of both ‘this is what we accomplished’ and ‘this is what we’re trying to do,'” the coach said. “All the intangibles that go into winning should carry over from one season to another season.

“You have to appreciate it. But you’ve got to know what got you there and if you forget what got you there, you’ll never get back.”

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024