If Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula appeared furious with the referees at the end of Thursday night's loss to the Chicago Bulls, you'd think he was wrong. At least, that's what Mazzula wants people to think.
After losing 117-108, Mazzula stormed onto the courthouse to try to get a word with referee Justin Van Dyne, apparently because of the streak the referee had given him and Celtics forward Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter. I think it was a technical reference.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula reacts after being called for a technical foul in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden in Boston on December 19, 2024. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
Somebody had to hold Mazzura back. In the end, he was removed from the court without incident.
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Mazzula said in the postgame press conference that he received a technical for walking on the court, but admitted he shouldn't have done it. However, when asked what “message” he was trying to convey at the end of the match, Mazzula had an interesting explanation.
“We hadn't seen each other for a while, so all I said was 'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,'” he said with a serious look on his face.
“We didn't know if we would be able to see them before the holidays. And when you wish someone and their family well, you can't afford to miss a second.”
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula refrained from responding after being called for a technical foul during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden in Boston on Dec. 19, 2024. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
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However, in his interactions with match officials, Brown did not wish anyone a happy holiday.
“I said (to Van Dine), 'You called a technician for no reason.' He said, 'If you say that again, I'll call another technician. ,'' Brown said, explaining that he consulted Van Dine to clarify the purpose of Mazura's technology.
“You can't threaten a player with a technical foul, that's not part of the game. If you want to fine a player for a gesture or something, that's fine. That's some bullshit -“
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (No. 7) and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (No. 9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. chases the loose ball. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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Mazzula will have a chance to spread some more holiday cheer when the two teams meet again on Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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