Mazz: Celtics win over 76ers is “not good enough”
The Boston Celtics took down the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night and currently sit atop the NBA overall standings by five games. Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla, thought it was one of the Celtics best performances of the season, however, on Wednesday’s Felger and Mazz, Mazz talked about how he disagrees with that.
Mazz isn’t impressed by the win…
Felger: Coach Joe Mazzulla says it’s one of the Celtics best games of the year. He later clarified it’s not one of the best wins but one of the best games, because an opponent sort of asked them to win a different way and they did. And you know what? I agree. I agreed the second I saw it, the second I was watching it. And, I feel that the Celtics have shown some growth or that they have evolved. In a vacuum an 18 point win over a Sixers team without their best player isn’t really worth discussing, except how they won, which I do think is significant and does have me taking them even more seriously than I was before. I agree it was one of their best games of the year.
Jim Murray: It shows that they’re adaptable. And I had questions about that.
Felger: And Joe Mazzulla says it was one of the best games of the year. Do you know who disagrees with that, Murray?
Jim Murray: The man to my right…one Anthony Massarotti.
Felger: Mazz! Who’s been asking them to go inside, asking them to play two point basketball, asking them to do all those things. Then they do it, and he still has a problem. What’s your problem?
Mazz: Not good enough. Not good enough. You do realize it was a 91-89 game with a less than nine minutes to go? So that doesn’t count when you’re playing an inferior opponent without its best player at home?
Felger: Are games 39 minutes? No.
Mazz: That’s not the point. The point is that game never should have been close last night. That game never should have been close. Do you ever.
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a dunk in the fourth quarter during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on February 27, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Felger: Did you ever feel the Celtics were going to lose it?
Mazz: I started to have my doubts in the second half a little bit when it got back to 91-89. So look, I understand what you’re saying. And yes, they had to win the game a different way last night. It took them way too long to figure it out and actually execute it. So again it was 91-89 with fewer than than nine minutes to go.
Jim Murray: And at that moment did you feel like, “oh, here come the Sixers”, you felt that way?
Mazz: Way. Yeah I did.
Jim Murray: Oh come on.
Mazz: No, I didn’t feel like “here come the Sixers”, I felt like, “boy the Celtics are playing stupid”. And it wasn’t about the fact of going inside or shooting the threes. In terms of the approach of going inside, how did you feel like they executed it with 13 turnovers in the first three quarters?
Jim Murray: Oh no. So yeah they came out sloppy and somewhat disinterested. I would agree with you if you wanted to say that about them early on. They looked sloppy early on. I think weren’t taking the Sixers seriously.
Mazz: But I would argue that the reason they turned the ball over 13 times, and again it’s 14 overall but in the last nine minutes they only turned the ball over onc, so I would argue the reason they turned the ball over 13 times is because Philly was forcing them to the perimeter.. In fact, I put an image on my Twitter account today of what it looked like on the floor in the second half where Philly literally had guys spread out around the three point arc and the entire middle of the floor was open. And you know what the Celtics tried to do when Philly did that over and over again in this game? Dribble by guys and turn it over 13 times.
Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony āMazzā Massarotti, and Jim Murray āBig Jimā. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!
The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, donned in their iconic emerald green and pristine white, have been graced by legendary players whose names resonate through the revered halls of the TD Garden, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball. Proudly displayed alongside the 17 NBA championship banners are the numbers and names of 24 transcendent figures, forever enshrined as immortal legends in the heart of Boston.
One of the latest additions to the pantheon of Celtics greats is Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. In March 2022, the arena erupted with thunderous cheers as his jersey ascended to the rafters, solidifying his place in the Celtics’ lore. Garnett’s impact on the team extended far beyond his awe-inspiring talent, as he earned the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year in the 2007-08 season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Kevin Garnett raises the number retirement banner with his daughters Kavalli and Kapri during his number retirement ceremony following the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.Ā
The pinnacle of Garnett’s journey with the Celtics arrived in the same season when they clinched the 2008 NBA championship, etching their names into the annals of history once again. Such triumphs are woven into the very essence of the Celtics’ existence, a testament to their ability to cultivate legends and celebrate greatness.
Beyond the confines of basketball, the Celtics embody tradition, excellence, and perseverance. With an impressive collection of 17 NBA titles, they proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with their fierce rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the pantheon of championship triumphs. Boasting an astounding 22 appearances in the NBA Finals, the Celtics’ indomitable spirit continues to shine brightly.
Yet, achieving this legendary status was no fleeting feat. The foundation of their dynasty lies in the players who have proudly donned the green and white, each contributing their unique talents to the team’s ongoing success. The Celtics’ pull for greatness is evident in the staggering 41 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame who have either played or coached for the team. This magnetism is further exemplified by the tradition of retiring 24 numbers, the highest honor bestowed upon players in North American professional sports.
We embark on a journey through the long list of Celtics legends, their numbers and names forever gracing the rafters of the TD Garden, among the championship banners, serving as an enduring tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Boston Celtics.
