If it seems so Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzola was angry with the referees at the end of Thursday night's loss to the Chicago Bulls, and it would be incorrect to assume so. At least, that's what Mazzola would like people to think.
After the 117-108 loss, Mazzola accused the court of trying to talk to referee Justin Van Duyne, apparently in reference to successive techniques given to him and the Celtics forward by the referee. Jaylen Brown In the fourth quarter.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzola reacts after being called for a technical foul while facing the Chicago Bulls in the second half at TD Garden on December 19, 2024 in Boston. (Photos by David Butler II-Imagine)
Many people had to stop Mazola. In the end, he was removed from court without incident.
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During the post-match press session, Mazzola said he received a technical check for walking onto the field – something he admitted he should not have done. However, when asked what “message” he was trying to get across at the end of the game, Mazzola had an interesting explanation.
“I haven't seen them in a while, so just that 'Merry Christmas, Happy vacation,” he said with a serious expression.
“I wasn't sure I was going to see them before the holiday, and you can't leave out a moment to wish someone the best for them and their family.”
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzola cringes as he reacts after being called for a technical foul while facing the Chicago Bulls in the second half at TD Garden on Dec. 19, 2024 in Boston. (Photos by David Butler II-Imagine)
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However, Brown was not wishing anyone a happy holiday in his dealings with game officials.
“I told (Van Duyne): ‘I called the tech for no reason.’ He said, ‘If you say that to me again, I’ll call another tech,’” Brown said, explaining that he reached out to Van Duyne to explain the purpose of Mazzola’s technology.
“You can't threaten players with a technical foul, that's not part of the game either. If you want to fine players for gestures and all that stuff — well. That's some bulls—.”
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, No. 7, and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, No. 9, chase down a loose ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Stephen Sen)
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Mazzola will have the opportunity 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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