Boston Celtics analyst defends Joe Mazzulla from wildly unfair criticism

BSS’ Dan Greenberg was not having a fan’s criticism of Joe Mazzulla for his role in Grant Williams’ missed game-winning free-throws with 0.9 seconds left on the clock tied at 109 with the Cavaliers. Those misses forced an overtime the Boston Celtics ultimately ended up losing by a 118-114 final.

The fan was widely criticizing the other facets of the game in which he feels Mazzulla failed, but it’s important to note that the Celtics were missing their entire starting frontcourt of Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III — the latter of whom will be out for the next couple of games with a left hamstring strain.

That they were even competitive in this game on the second night of a back-to-back with so many key contributors missing is a testament to his coaching abilities.

Analyst dispels myth Ime Udoka-coached Boston Celtics didn’t struggle in second half of 2021-22 season

The Boston Celtics were not a flawless operation post-2022 All-Star break. It just seems that way because the Cs are losing more than they are winning and there are worries Boston peaked at the wrong time during the 2022-23 season.

Greenberg pointed that out earlier in the day, foreshadowing him having to defend Mazzulla from unfair criticism:

There are very poorly-timed growing pains being suffered by the Celtics right now. Mazzulla was handed his extension but the team hasn’t achieved anything besides early season dominance.

The national media is waiting to pounce on the popular toxic Boston Celtics narrative

Should these Cs flame out of the postseason early in the coming months, you know what storylines from the national media are going to follow: the old reliable “break up Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown” trope.

It’s going to be a long summer if the Celtics don’t force a long postseason.