Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Draws Strong Criticism for Coach of the Year Win
Summary
Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, won the 2026 NBA Coach of the Year award after leading his team to a 56-26 record despite missing star player Jayson Tatum for most of the season. However, many fans and commentators criticized the choice because the Celtics lost in the first round of the playoffs, and other coaches had better postseason success.Key Facts
- The Boston Celtics finished the season with a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
- Jayson Tatum, the team's superstar, missed most of the season.
- Joe Mazzulla won the 2026 NBA Coach of the Year award with 62 first-place votes and 392 total points.
- Mazzulla’s main competition included J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs.
- Fans and commentators criticized Mazzulla’s win, noting the Celtics lost in the first round of the playoffs.
- Critics pointed out other coaches who had more success or better records during the season.
- Celtics players Jaylen Brown and Derrick White received All-NBA honors during the season.
- The Celtics lost a seven-game series to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs despite home court advantage.
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