Joe Mazzulla named NBA Coach of the Year after Celtics overcame Jayson Tatum injury, numerous personnel changes to claim No. 2 seed
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Joe Mazzulla led the Boston Celtics to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference despite significant challenges, including Jayson Tatum's extended absence and key player trades.
- Mazzulla was named NBA Coach of the Year, earning 62 of 100 first-place votes and beating finalists J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson.
- This is Mazzulla's first Coach of the Year award after previously finishing third or fourth in voting during his first four seasons as head coach.
- The Celtics exceeded expectations largely due to Jaylen Brown's career-high scoring average and the team's strong defensive performance.
- Mazzulla credited his coaching staff and players for the success but emphasized that winning a championship remains his ultimate goal.