Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn't shy away from praising Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla ahead of Sunday night's Celtics-Lakers clash in LA.
JJ Redick on Joe Mazzulla: “There’s a handful of coaches that I think are doing a tier one job this year, and Joe's in that in that group of coaches. He’s really doing a phenomenal job.“
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) February 22, 2026
Mazzulla is widely considered a running finalist for NBA Coach of the Year for the work that he's done keeping a completely re-tooled, Jayson Tatum-less Celtics squad near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Entering Sunday's game, the Celtics sat at 36-19, good for second place in the East behind the Detroit Pistons.
Mazzulla's adaptability stands out. He has maximized role players, tinkered with lineups and rotations, and fostered a system where contributors thrive—whether through offensive execution, rebounding emphasis, or defensive principles. All season long, Mazzulla has pushed the right buttons for team buy-in and toughness.
Mazzulla's efforts earned him Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for December (a 9-3 record), adding to his career tally.
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