Joe Mazzulla on being dispassionate about Boston media critique: "40 years on, none of you are invited to my funeral"

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla explained why he isn't bothered by the media. During an interview ahead of the 2024-25 season opener posted on Oct. 21, one of the journalists asked how he handles the pressure of Boston fans and the media. Mazzulla said:

"I just don't look at it as pressure," Mazzulla said. "Because like a Boston media member or somebody expecting me, they don’t have a weapon. They’re not gonna come after me. They’re just saying words.”

Mazzulla acknowledged that whatever journalists write and publish about him is simply because they're doing their job. In the end, he doesn't know who these people are and doesn't care about anything they say.

“We’re either going to win or we’re not — 40 years from now, none of you are invited to my funeral, and that’s it.” Mazzulla said

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Joe Mazzulla discusses his mentality for Boston Celtics' title defense

Sixteen years after winning their 17th title in franchise history, the Boston Celtics are once again NBA champions. While many former champions understand the pressure defending the title entails, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla isn't worried about it at all.

According to Brian Robb of Mass Live, Mazzulla said:

“It’s not pressure. It’s an opportunity. ... I’ve said this in the past, we have an opportunity to carry the organization forward, to double down on the tradition and the history of what this organization has, and what else would you expect than somebody expecting you to win all the time? We have great character, great talent, and we just have to work to maximize that and try to rely on the players to do that.”

Last season, Mazulla entered his second year as the Boston Celtics' head coach. Throughout the entire season, the Celtics remained at the top spot in the Eastern Conference and secured the first seed with a 64-18 record. The Celtics were four wins shy from tying with their franchise-best record of 68-14, set in 1972-73.

Joe Mazzulla did not let the momentum slip, leading his players to an NBA title. Mazzulla and his players now have the task of replicating their efforts from last year as they try to win another title.