Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla found himself in the spotlight during Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, but not for the usual reasons. When star forward Jayson Tatum went down after a hard foul in the fourth quarter, Mazzulla’s reaction raised eyebrows.
Tatum, who landed awkwardly on his wrist following a mid-air collision with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, remained on the floor grimacing in pain. As concern rippled through the crowd at TD Garden, Mazzulla was seen instructing the team trainer to “not go out there” to check on Tatum. Moments later, he yelled at Tatum to “GET UP,” urging the All-Star to shake off the injury and continue playing.
The exchange, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showcased Mazzulla’s no-nonsense approach to coaching.
Jayson Tatum was down hurt and Joe Mazzulla told the trainer to not go out there and then yelled “get up” 💀
(h/t @StoolGreenie) pic.twitter.com/6xJNgtB5tg
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 21, 2025
Tatum eventually got up and returned to the game, confirming postgame that his wrist was fine.
“It’s all right. I just fell on it, landed on it. … It was throbbing for a second then kind of went away,” Tatum said during the press conference.
X-rays came back clean, and Tatum finished the night with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists, helping the Celtics secure a 103-86 victory.
Mazzulla’s reaction reflects his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes resilience and accountability. In his postgame remarks, he praised Tatum for impacting the game in ways beyond scoring, highlighting his defense, rebounding, and physicality.
“That never got in the way of his defense and his physicality, and his rebounding. That’s the most important thing,” Mazzulla said.
While Mazzulla’s approach may not align with the more nurturing style of some coaches, his results speak for themselves. Since taking over as head coach, he has led the Celtics to consistent success, earning respect for his ability to push players to their limits.
