Joe Mazzulla Gets LeBron James’ Attention After Lakers Star Interviews Coach JJ Redick on ‘Mind the Game’ Podcast

Over the past three seasons, Boston has knocked on the doors of a record 18th title. In 2022, they failed to extinguish the Warriors dynasty, losing to the allure of Steph Curry. However, a destructive lineup and various reinforcements later, they are back on the grand stage. Only this time, they also have the mental prowess of Joe Mazzulla, the youngest coach, to reach the NBA Finals since another Boston legend, Bill Russell. When briefing about the Cs, even LeBron James was left awestruck by one of Mazzula’s genius tactics.

Bron proposed a theory when referring to the series between the Mavs and Wolves. He recalled a 4-point play from Luka Doncic toward the end of Game 4 when the Wolves were up six. James pondered over the idea of fouling to keep it a two-possession game, only to find out from Redick that Mazzulla, a 2nd-year coach, had already done it against the Pacers! The Akron Hammer is a tough man to please when it’s related to basketball. Having spent 21 seasons on the NBA floor, he has likely seen every kind of strategy play out. However, even he couldn’t help but be stumped by the Celtics HC.

“This Joe Mazzulla guy is a f*****g genius huh?”, he admitted to Redick on Mind the Game. LeBron James, a keen observer too, noticed the composed demeanor of Mazzulla, even in the most hopeless of times. Rattling Mazzulla only happens when the Celtics aren’t respecting the game for what it’s supposed to be according to the four-time champion. In some ways, it’s true. Despite being only 35, there is a calmness and maturity about him that surpasses his resume and limited experience as a head coach.

Since becoming the head coach of the storied franchise, the historic Mazzulla has turned the culture around. He has helped the team eliminate distractions and focus purely on the methods of winning. It was evident in their series against Indiana. The Celtics were down in the fourth quarter. Mazzulla, though, was unmoved and conjured a contingency plan. The Cs ended up sweeping the Pacers.

Now, it’s just four games that keep the Celtics from finally claiming a Championship in the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown era. Before this season, they faltered in such critical moments. But with the new HC’s optimism and attention to detail, they look more determined than they ever have.

Joe Mazzulla doesn’t see a difference between the postseason and the regular season

Before taking command of the Celtics, Mazzulla was the assistant to Ime Udoka in 2022, the last time Boston was in the Finals. While not being the primary decision maker, he watched the Bay’s experience at the big stages overwhelm the enthusiastic Celtics, who were in their first Finals since 2008. While intricately observing from the sidelines, he had an epiphany which he spoke about in detail after their sweep over the Pacers.

“What I took away was that there’s nothing different that goes into winning in a regular season than a playoff series. And there’s three or four possessions that can completely change a narrative. So, if (Aaron) Nesmith hits that corner three or if we don’t get a steal, we might not be sitting here,” Mazzulla expressed, during the press conference.

It’s this detailed attitude that has rejuvenated a warrior spirit within Boston. No matter how many stars flood their ranks, they are all aligned together for one purpose- lifting a championship. And it all begins with the wisdom and ideologies of Joe Mazzulla. The Celtics will be on full throttle during the upcoming series against the Mavericks. Ailing big man Kristaps Porzingis is also scheduled to return tomorrow for Game 1. Additionally, they’ve had a longer time to recover and study the Mavericks from the playoff battles.

In the Finals, every small play matters. Given Mazzulla’s knowledge of the same, NBA fans can expect the Boston Celtics to be better prepared and confident.