Boston Celtics Game 6 win ‘may have done a lot’ to boost HC’s job security

With a massive Game 6 victory against the 76ers on the road, the Boston Celtics saved their 2022-23 season and their immediate chances of becoming the winningest franchise in NBA history once again — but according to Boston.com’s Tom Westerholm, they likely saved Joe Mazzulla’s job as head coach as well.

“Thursday’s win may have done a lot to boost Mazzulla’s job security beyond just staving off a disappointing elimination,” Westerholm wrote.

The Celtics gave up 11 points in the fourth quarter after ceding the lead in the third quarter and looking like one of they’d have one of their worst-case postseason scenarios was about to come true to force a Game 7 at the TD Garden. While they had 17 turnovers, Boston showed that even with their backs against the wall, the Cs can execute. Because of it, Mazzulla has avoided a media backlash the likes of which fewer other cities can dish out.

Jayson Tatum is the key to Joe Mazzulla’s job with the Boston Celtics being safe

Jayson Tatum had a legacy game for the ages in Game 6, turning a 1/13 start from the field into a 12-point outburst in the final four minutes to put the stamp on a signature victory of the 2023 postseason for the Boston Celtics.

Tatum told reporters after the game that he loves the relationship that he and Mazzulla have after the head coach pulled him aside amidst his first-half struggles and still encouraged him to take over — prompting Westerholm to credit the relationship as the impetus for Mazzulla staying in Boston for the long haul.

“With support like that from a player of Tatum’s stature, expect to see Mazzulla around for a while,” Westerholm wrote.

A Game 7 dud could completely flip the narrative, but the starting lineup switch to revert back to the double-big lineup featuring Al Horford and Robert Williams III could be the key adjustment Mazzulla needed to get Boston back to its title-favorite status.