The Boston Celtics remain atop the Eastern Conference standings, and their victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday secured them a spot in the postseason.
But an unexpected in-game decision by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has become a hot topic.
In the fourth quarter, Celtics star Jaylen Brown intercepted a pass and ran the other way for an impressive dunk. The turnover caused a timeout and Suns forward Royce O'Neale attempted to shoot the ball shortly after the whistle blew.
Players often casually take a shot that they know won't count after the referees blow the whistle, but coaches typically don't attempt to challenge it.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden in Boston on March 14, 2024. (Bob DeChiara/USA Today Sports)
Mazzulla, a former guard for the West Virginia Mountaineers, dove and tried to block O'Neale's 3-pointer, which ultimately bounced off the rim.
LARRY BIRD STARS IN ALLSTATE'S 'FUN' OSCAR COMMERCIAL
Mazzulla offered an explanation of his actions in the post-match press conference.
“I saw a guy coming in to try to take a shot, and he hadn't taken one. And I didn't want him to feel good about going to the bench,” Mazzulla said. “[Boston Globe writer] Gary [Washburn] He asked me about that a month ago, and that's a rule of thumb. Guys don't take shots in front of our bench to go back to their bench and feel good about themselves. “If I'm going to ask guys to compete, the staff has to do the same.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics walks on the court during the first quarter of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Mazzulla suggested his efforts were a reflection of the Celtics' mentality.
“At the end of the day, it's about the mindset and focus that we bring, and it's within the rules of the game. It's about setting a tone, and it's just that,” Mazzulla said.
“One of the biggest things that bothers me is thinking that a guy will get a free opportunity, and that's not the way it works. If we're going to hold our team to a standard, we hold our staff to the same standard. Ha “There have been times where we've lost it, and I've held the staff accountable for that. And we have to do the best job we can to not do that.”
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with Jrue Holiday (4) and Derrick White (9) at TD Garden on January 10, 2024 in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Celtics star Jayson Tatum seemed to approve of his coach's aggressiveness.
“That's Joe,” Tatum said with a smile. “So when he did it, he didn't take me by surprise. I hope he or one of the coaches does that. I have to love Joe for Joe.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Celtics players seemed to have taken note of Mazzulla's faith in defense. The team's defense ranks second in the NBA this season, allowing 110.4 points per 100 possessions.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
