Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has always been known for his unconventional coaching style, but his recent interaction with Jayson Tatum takes “unique” to a whole new level.
During an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Tatum shared a hilarious story about Mazzulla’s approach to handling his technical fouls—a story that has since gone viral.
The incident occurred after Tatum picked up his 12th technical foul of the season during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. With the NBA rule stating that players are suspended for one game after accumulating 16 technical fouls, Mazzulla saw an opportunity to get the suspension out of the way before the playoffs. According to Tatum, Mazzulla jokingly encouraged him to rack up the remaining four technicals as quickly as possible.
“Joe was like, ‘Yo, can you get four more so you can get suspended?’ And I’m like, ‘Joe, I think I’m done,’” Tatum recalled. But Mazzulla didn’t stop there. The coach added, “I would much rather you just come punch me. I wanna fight. I would love to fight.”
Coach Mazzulla wants Jayson Tatum to be more like Travis Kelce
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/oov5dVlTJz
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 26, 2025
Mazzulla’s approach to coaching has always been unorthodox. Known for his brash demeanor and intense competitiveness, he has a reputation for pushing boundaries to motivate his players. Whether it’s using wildlife analogies during practice or challenging players to physical feats, Mazzulla’s methods are anything but traditional. His willingness to joke about fighting his star player is just another example of his distinctive personality.
Despite his quirks, Mazzulla has proven to be an effective leader. Under his guidance, the Celtics won the 2024 NBA championship, their first title since 2008. This season, Boston remains a top contender, sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 53-19 record. Mazzulla’s ability to manage a roster filled with diverse personalities has been a key factor in the team’s success.
For Tatum, the interaction with Mazzulla is just another example of the coach’s unique approach to leadership.
“Joe is crazy,” Tatum said with a laugh during the podcast. “But he knows how to get the best out of us. He keeps things fun, even when the stakes are high.”
Mazzulla’s unconventional methods may raise eyebrows, but they also foster a sense of unity and resilience within the team. Whether or not Tatum racks up more technical fouls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Joe Mazzulla’s coaching style is as entertaining as it is effective.
