Joe Mazzulla is in his fourth season at the helm of the Boston Celtics, and if you were expecting a regression year, you're not alone. After a summer that saw Boston lose some key pieces, the expectation was that this would be a transitional season-one where the Celtics might stumble a bit before regaining their footing. But Mazzulla clearly had other plans.
At 211-81, Mazzulla’s win-loss record speaks for itself. And this season, with the Celtics sitting at 29-17 as the All-Star break nears, he’s proving once again that he’s more than capable of steering this team through choppy waters. Boston currently holds the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, and they’ve done it while defying the narrative that they were due for a drop-off.
What’s been especially impressive is how Mazzulla has gotten the most out of his supporting cast. This isn’t just about Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown putting up All-Star numbers-this is about the role players stepping into the spotlight and making the most of their opportunities.
Under Mazzulla’s guidance, several developmental guys are punching above their weight, growing into contributors who could be part of Boston’s long-term core. That kind of internal growth doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the product of a coach who knows how to build confidence, define roles, and maximize talent.
That’s why the buzz around Mazzulla’s so-called “golden touch” is gaining traction. On a recent segment of NBA Showtime on Peacock, the panel broke down how Mazzulla has kept the Celtics competitive despite losing some serious firepower over the offseason.
The conversation centered on his ability to adapt, to recalibrate the team’s identity without losing its edge. That’s not easy in a league where chemistry can be fragile and rotations are constantly in flux.
The discussion also touched on Jayson Tatum’s current absence due to injury, and what his return could mean for the team. Tatum is the engine that drives Boston’s offense, and while the team has held its own in his absence, getting him back healthy will be crucial for any serious playoff push.
The silver lining? The Celtics have learned how to win without leaning entirely on their superstar-a testament to the system Mazzulla has put in place.
So while the Celtics may have entered the season with more questions than answers, Mazzulla’s steady hand has kept them on course. If this version of Boston continues to evolve the way it has through the first half of the season, they won’t just be a team to watch-they’ll be a team to fear.