“Jokic is like with water polo,” Mazzulla said in a recent interview on the Games With Names podcast. “If you watch water polo, you’re essentially watching Jokic play. That’s exactly how — that’s how he plays.”

Far from being a dig or a joke, the Boston coach made the comparison as a genuine compliment, highlighting Jokic’s unique qualities that make him such an effective and unconventional player on the court.

“You can tell how he palms the ball, how he one-touch passes it when it’s midair, how he almost embraces people draping on him because like you’re having to do both of those things,” Mazzulla continued. “And like watching him is like watching a water polo there. So like when I watch Jokic, I see water polo.”

Jokic’s versatile style of play

The Nuggets star possesses a complete and diverse skill set that allows him to contribute in virtually every area of the game. He has transformed the perception of what a big man can and should do on the court, expanding on the evolution that earlier players like Kevin Garnett introduced to the league.

Jokic’s versatility makes him a central figure on both ends of the floor. Not only is he Denver’s scoring leader — finishing the 2024–25 regular season ranked third in the NBA in points per game with 29.6 — but he’s also an elite playmaker and a critical piece on defense.

In addition to his scoring, Nikola excels at facilitating, finishing second in the league in assists per game with 10.2. He also ranked second in defensive rebounds (9.9) and sixth in steals (1.8).

Mazzulla also analyzes Embiid and Harden

After describing Jokic, Mazzulla turned his attention to another dominant international big man, Joel Embiid, emphasizing how his background in other sports has shaped his game. “When I watch Embiid, I see how you know, his soccer background gave him the footwork,” Joe said. “The angles, the hand-eye coordination, the timing to be so effective for such a big guy.”

Finally, the Boston coach discussed James Harden — again, with an unexpected comparison. “Watching him play is like listening to like Moonlight Sonata. Like, never gets sped up. Plays at his own pace,” Mazzulla explained. “Always smooth. Does what he does, you know.”

Joe Mazzulla’s journey to becoming the head coach of the Boston Celtics is one marked by determination and talent. Rising through the ranks, he has not only made his mark on the court but also begun to make waves in the financial world.

In a short time, he has proven himself as a capable leader with poise and strategy. His story, from a small college player to NBA head coach, has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, sparking interest in his personal fortune.

As he continues to build his legacy with one of the most prestigious teams, his net worth is on the rise. His success both on and off the court is setting him up for even greater financial opportunities in the years to come.

What is Joe Mazzulla’s net worth?

Joe Mazzulla’s journey from a modest basketball background to the helm of the Boston Celtics is a testament to perseverance and talent. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, as Sportskeeda reported.

This financial milestone reflects not only his current role with the Celtics but also his previous coaching stints, including positions at Fairmont State and as an assistant with the Maine Red Claws.

These roles, though less lucrative, laid the foundation for his current success. His ascent in the NBA coaching ranks has been swift and impactful, culminating in leading the popular team to their 18th championship in 2024.

What is Joe Mazzulla’s salary?

In February 2023, the Boston Celtics officially named Joe Mazzulla as their head coach, offering him a four-year contract extension valued at approximately $16.6 million, according to sources like Marca.

This deal reflects the organization’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the team’s future. The contract outlines an annual salary of about $4.5 million, positioning him among the higher-paid coaches in the league.

While this figure doesn’t rival the earnings of top NBA players, it underscores the value placed on effective coaching in achieving team success. His compensation package sets expectations for continued excellence.

Joe Mazzulla’s success in the NBA and with the Celtics

Joe Mazzulla’s influence on Boston extends beyond financial metrics; his strategic acumen has been pivotal in the team’s recent successes. In the 2023-24 season, he guided the Celtics to a league-best 64–18 record, culminating in their 18th NBA championship.

His coaching philosophy, inspired in part by soccer tactician Pep Guardiola, emphasizes adaptability and situational awareness. This approach has resonated with players and analysts alike, earning him accolades and solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.

Under his guidance, the Celtics have demonstrated resilience and cohesion, attributes that have been instrumental in their playoff performances. His ability to foster a winning culture has not only revitalized the team but also positioned him as one of the most promising coaches.

“One man’s trash is another’s treasure,” the saying goes—and for Joe Mazzulla, that treasure came in the form of exploiting Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. Boston made a concerted effort in the second half to repeatedly foul Robinson and disrupt New York’s offensive rhythm.

“Just process over results,” Mazzulla said via SNY Knicks on X (formerly Twitter). “You always stick to the process of what you think gives you the best chance to win on that possession and to win the game.”

The strategy paid off. Robinson was limited to just 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist. More importantly, the Knicks’ bench was neutralized, unable to close the gap as Boston maintained control throughout the second half. Expect the Celtics to stick with this tactical approach moving forward.

Jaylen Brown delivers strong message after Game 3 win

Rather than celebrate, Jaylen Brown kept his focus locked in after the blowout win. Speaking to reporters postgame, the Celtics star sent a direct message that emphasized the team’s playoff mindset. “You gotta beat us four times—that’s what it comes down to,” Brown said via the NBA’s X account. “There’s a lot of basketball to be played.”

Brown backed up his words with a strong all-around performance, finishing with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 36 minutes. He was one of five Celtics to score in double figures in a well-rounded team effort.

Tatum rises to the occasion—and the record books

Jayson Tatum returned to top form in Game 3, not only powering Boston to victory but also making NBA playoff history. Tatum surpassed Kobe Bryant on the league’s all-time playoff scoring list for players under 28 years old. With his Game 3 stat line, Tatum moved into second place with 2,892 playoff points—trailing only LeBron James, who holds the top spot with 3,275.

After squandering 20-point leads in each of the first two games, the Celtics faced the very real threat of falling into a 3–0 series hole—an all-but-fatal position in NBA history. But Tatum’s leadership and production ensured Boston stayed alive and regained momentum heading into Game 4.

One of the key factors this year has been their impressive performance on the road. Currently, the Celtics lead the NBA in road victories, with a remarkable record of 32-7, which even surpasses their performance at TD Garden, where they stand at 24-12.

“I think each year, you develop different kinds of strengths, especially with the same team. And this year, it just happened to be our road mentality,” Mazzulla explained when asked about it in the post-game press conference following Boston’s victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at FedExForum, shared by the NBA’s official website.

“I think every year just takes on a different identity and different challenges,” the head coach added. He also explained that becoming strong on the road wasn’t necessarily a goal they set for the season: “I think this year, we never talk about it. It just kind of became what it is.”

Finally, Mazzulla downplayed the importance of this statistic. “I think we try to play consistent basketball,” he said. “I think that means we are something and 12 at home? I mean, it’s really just four or five games. I mean, it’s not that big of a difference.”

The Celtics could set a historic NBA record

Despite Joe Mazzulla stating that he doesn’t place too much emphasis on the Celtics’ road performance this season, they could achieve a historic feat in the NBA if they continue their strong play outside of TD Garden.

With 32 road victories, the Celtics are just two wins away from matching the best-ever mark achieved by an NBA team in a regular season. In 2015-16, the Golden State Warriors, who, like the Celtics now, were defending champions, set the record with 34 road victories.

The Celtics have two more games on the road ahead: against the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic, scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. If they continue their current form, they could achieve something historic.

The Lakers aggressively targeted Horford, sending their top scorers—LeBron James and Luka Doncic—straight at him, trying to exploit their speed advantage. However, isolating Horford didn’t work as well as Lakers head coach JJ Redick had likely envisioned. Instead, Mazzulla thoroughly enjoyed watching the 37-year-old rise to the challenge.

“It motivates him. When people try to attack him, it just fuels him even more,” Mazzulla said of the Lakers’ strategy. “And I got to watch five straight possessions of him defending at a high level. At one point, I wasn’t even coaching—I was just watching him. And I thought, ‘Man, this guy’s a future Hall of Famer.’ I get to witness this for free. You have to appreciate that perspective. He’s just an innate competitor, and his energy inspires our team.”

The five-time All-Star filled the stat sheet with 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. He also posted a +16 plus-minus rating, the second-highest of any player in the NBA game.

Jayson Tatum on Horford’s impact

Jayson Tatum, who had a monster performance with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block, also praised Horford for his defensive effort. The veteran big man held his own against both James and Doncic throughout the game, playing a crucial role in Boston’s victory.

“Al is one of a kind,” Tatum said in his postgame press conference. “He’s the anchor of our defense and the heart and soul of our team. He keeps us emotionally steady. What he’s still able to provide in year 18 is remarkable. I don’t think that gets talked about enough—being such an integral part of a championship-caliber team at this stage of his career. We wouldn’t be who we are without him.”

Tatum reflects on the game

Tatum logged a season-high 45 minutes to help seal the victory, especially when the Lakers mounted a furious comeback. Boston’s once 22-point lead had dwindled to just four with 5:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite the exhaustion, Tatum knew he could rely on his teammates—especially Horford.

“What he brings on the defensive end gives us confidence,” Tatum explained. “We trust him to switch, guard his man, and make things difficult on whoever he’s defending—knowing we’re all on the same page behind him. We don’t worry about who Al is guarding.” Tatum then capped his comments with a heartfelt statement. “I’m the biggest Al Horford fan there is,” he said. “I love that guy.”

When facing the Nuggets, most teams focus on finding ways to contain Jokić, the reigning NBA Finals MVP. However, after the game, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla revealed a different approach to handling Denver’s superstar.

“We didn’t talk about Jokić at all in the game plan. It’s not about him… you don’t really talk about him in a game plan. You talk about all the other stuff that you can control,” Mazzulla said, per Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog.

Despite not specifically game-planning for him, the Celtics managed to limit Jokić’s impact in key moments. The Serbian big man still put up strong numbers—20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists—but lacked significant contributions from his supporting cast outside of Jamal Murray and Christian Braun. On the other side, the Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown, who finished with 22 points and eight assists.

Game breakdown in the first half

Both the Celtics and Nuggets have taken a slightly quieter path this season, allowing teams like the Cavaliers (East) and Thunder (West) to dominate the spotlight. However, with the NBA playoffs looming, both squads know the real battle begins in April.

Boston took control early, building a commanding lead before halftime. With just over two minutes left in the second quarter, a Jayson Tatum three-pointer pushed the Celtics’ advantage to 59-39.

Second half and Nuggets resurgence

Denver, however, responded after the break. The Nuggets found their rhythm behind a resurgent Murray, who had struggled in the first half with just four points. His second-half explosion—scoring 22 of his 26 points after intermission—nearly brought Denver back. A clutch bucket from Murray with 1:15 left in the game cut the Celtics’ lead to just three at 102-99.

But Boston proved too deep and too disciplined down the stretch. Veteran big man Al Horford delivered a crucial performance, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds, and a 7-for-12 shooting night in 35 minutes. Derrick White also stepped up in the clutch, knocking down key three-pointers and coming up with a crucial steal to cap off his 17-point night. Tatum, despite struggling from beyond the arc (1-for-7 from three), came close to a triple-double, posting 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

For Denver, Murray’s 26-point effort and Braun’s surprising 24-point outing were not enough to overcome the Celtics’ depth. Jokic, while effective, was well-defended at times, finishing one assist shy of another triple-double.

With this win, Boston continues to solidify its position as one of the top contenders in the East, while Denver will look to make adjustments as they gear up for another deep NBA postseason run.

“Looking forward to the next time we see them…I think it was a good fight…I think, give credit to Cleveland, they played well. They shot the ball incredibly well, made timely baskets, and they climbed back into the game on the road. That’s tough to do. So you’ve gotta give them credit,” stated Jaylen Brown as reported by the Athletic.

The Celtics’ defense is typically one of the most reliable in the NBA. However, they struggled to bounce back from their poor performance against the Detroit Pistons, which carried over into their matchup with the Cavaliers. Boston’s defensive issues were especially evident in the closing moments.

Despite leading for most of the game, they failed to contain Cleveland’s three-point shooting and gave up too many second-chance opportunities. These lapses ultimately cost them the game.

Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla speaks out after tough loss to Cavaliers

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla did not shy away from accountability after Boston’s tough loss to the Cavaliers. He acknowledged that the entire team, including himself, needed to improve.

“In a game where you lose like that, everybody has to be better. Coaches have to be better, players have to be better. You’ve gotta make better adjustments. You’ve gotta put guys in better positions,” stated Joe Mazzulla.

Despite the loss, Mazzulla defended the contributions of Sam Hauser, highlighting his impact on defense. “He (Sam Hauser) has been a great defender in the league for the last 2-3 years. He’s earned a reputation for that,” stated Joe Mazzulla.

Celtics’ offense continues to rank among the NBA’s best

Despite the surprising loss to the Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics’ offense remained a bright spot. Jaylen Brown played an outstanding game. He scored 37 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and added 2 assists.

Jayson Tatum was equally impressive. He finished with 46 points and dished out 9 assists. His impact went beyond scoring. He also secured 11 defensive rebounds, showing his presence on both ends of the floor. These performances prove that the Celtics’ offense remains one of the best in the NBA.

“At the end of the day, we all have a role and a responsibility to the culture and to the locker room, and giving it to one person takes away the leadership of everybody…I think the best thing about this team is that everyone’s a captain in the sense that everyone has a role to play, everyone has a job to do, and everyone’s job is to impact winning…But at the end of the day, we all have to carry the responsibility of leadership,” stated Joe Mazzulla as reported by WEEI.

Joe Mazzulla’s opinion on leadership reflects the collective mindset that defines the Boston Celtics this season. Instead of relying on a single captain, he promotes shared responsibility. This approach allows every player to contribute in their own way. It has fostered a strong locker room culture where both veterans and young players understand their roles. They embrace the need to step up when the moment demands it, strengthening the team’s overall chemistry.

Thanks to this mentality, the Celtics have remained consistent and resilient. They have adapted to challenges as a unified group. Mazzulla’s leadership has strengthened team chemistry. It has also translated into strong performances, keeping Boston among the NBA’s top contenders.

Are the Boston Celtics true contenders for the NBA championship?

The Boston Celtics are undoubtedly one of the top contenders for the NBA championship this season. They have one of the best records in the league and a deep, talented roster. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the team with their skill and experience. The Celtics have a strong mix of scoring, defense, and leadership. With all these pieces in place, they are well-equipped to compete at the highest level.

What makes the Celtics even more dangerous is their balanced team approach. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has created a system where every player contributes to winning. However, the Celtics cannot afford to be overconfident. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Memphis Grizzlies have also been consistent and strong. While Boston remains a top contender, they still face tough competition.

“The guys do a great job focusing on the process…they don’t get distracted by what’s not most important. Win or lose, we have an understanding of where we’re at, where we want to get to, what we have to work on, and where we can get better, and they stick to that whether we win or lose. They do a good job of not getting distracted by things that don’t impact winning.”

Consistency has been a hallmark of the Celtics, who have remarkably avoided losing three consecutive games for the past 20 months. In their December 27 matchup against the Indiana Pacers, they came dangerously close to breaking that streak but rallied to secure a commanding victory. The Celtics’ success is built on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are among the league’s elite, averaging 28.7 and 24.6 points per game, respectively. Defensively, the team’s cohesion and adaptability enable them to counter diverse playing styles effectively. Boston’s depth has also been a significant factor.

The franchise has assembled a well-rounded roster, with a strong bench that allows key players like Tatum and Brown to rest without compromising competitiveness on NBA. This depth not only enhances internal competition but also helps mitigate the risk of long-term injuries. Moreover, the Celtics’ mental toughness has been pivotal. Whether overcoming injuries or bouncing back from rough stretches, the team has consistently demonstrated resilience, a quality that could prove invaluable as they aim for postseason success.

Jaylen Brown demonstrates his ability to lead the Celtics’ offense

In the Boston Celtics’ 123-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers on December 29, Jaylen Brown delivered a standout performance, scoring 31 points, along with 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He was the team’s brightest spot in the game and matched Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers, who also recorded 31 points, while adding 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Brown’s offensive display outshone Jayson Tatum’s performance, reaffirming his ability to lead even in tough situations.

Following the Celtics’ dominant 142-103 bounce-back win against the Pacers, Brown reflected on the earlier loss with a calm and composed perspective. “I wasn’t concerned at all. I think that’s just the grind of the season. It’s a new year, you can’t expect everything to just go perfect,” affirmed Brown who also added: “Adversity, you need it to know what you are made of. So those moments, you don’t get concerned. You look to your guys, look to your group and use it as an opportunity to get better. It’s an opportunity to see what we’re made of.”

Brown’s leadership and poise have been crucial for the Celtics, as he continues to stand out even during difficult stretches. His ability to remain composed and focused has been a stabilizing force for the team. Despite the December 29 loss, the Celtics remain firmly in second place in the Eastern Conference, chasing the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top spot. With consistent performances from Brown and support from key players like Tatum, Boston aims to stay competitive as the season progresses.

“He’s not a personal record player — he doesn’t do everything just for PR,” Porzingis said. “He actually makes the right play. He doesn’t need to score 50 every night. He’s hungry for winning, and there’s a big difference. A lot of people take him for granted.”

Porzingis went on to highlight Tatum’s versatility: “He’s able to do it all on the basketball court. Guard anybody, dish out 10 assists, steal some rebounds from me,” he added, underlining the contrast between Tatum and other NBA stars who often prioritize personal accolades over team success.

Coach Mazzulla echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that Tatum’s greatness has already been established due to his sustained excellence. “Because he’s been doing great things for such a long time, I still think he gets taken for granted,” Mazzulla said. “It comes relatively easy to him. We’re in Boston, so that’s the expectation.”

Tatum, a five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA First Team selection, has consistently proven himself as one of the league’s elite players. However, as Mazzulla and Porzingis pointed out, his contributions are often overshadowed by the Celtics’ high expectations and his understated approach to stardom.

The underrated greatness of Jayson Tatum: Consistency over flash

In a league that often celebrates the most spectacular moments or record-breaking feats, Jayson Tatum’s brand of consistent excellence can sometimes go overlooked. With five consecutive All-Star appearances and three straight All-NBA First Team nods, Tatum has firmly established himself among the NBA’s top players. Yet, as his coach and teammates noted, his steady brilliance is sometimes taken for granted.

Tatum’s situation is reminiscent of past NBA greats like Tim Duncan and Kevin Durant in their prime. Their dependability and team-first mentality often kept them out of the spotlight despite their pivotal roles in their teams’ success. Tatum’s ability to deliver in clutch moments while maintaining a team-oriented focus sets him apart in an era dominated by individualistic accolades.

As the Celtics continue their championship pursuit, Tatum’s unwavering consistency and leadership will be critical. Perhaps as the season unfolds, the broader league will take notice of a player who, without unnecessary fanfare, continues to define what it means to be a superstar in today’s NBA.

“Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has been fined $35,000 for aggressively pursuing and directing inappropriate language toward a game official,” the league said in a statement released Saturday via X (formerly Twitter). ”It was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President and head of Basketball Operations. The incident occurred after the Celtics’ 117-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 19 at TD Garden.”

The heated exchange took place during the final quarter of the game. The Celtics had closed the gap to within one possession with over seven minutes remaining when Mazzulla got into an argument with official Justin Van Duyne, resulting in a technical foul. Moments later, Jaylen Brown’s protest earned him another technical foul, allowing the Bulls to extend their lead and secure the victory.

After the game, a visibly angry Mazzulla had to be escorted off the court by his assistants. However, during the post-game press conference, when asked about his exchange with the officials, he offered an unexpected response. “I wasn’t sure I was going to see them before the holiday,” he joked. “So just a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday.”

While the remark may have been an attempt to defuse tension, the NBA was not amused. The $35,000 fine serves as a reminder of the league’s strict stance on professionalism toward officials.

Jaylen Brown defends Mazzulla

Jaylen Brown came to Mazzulla’s defense in a recent press conference, criticizing the officiating during the game. “Joe didn’t say anything to deserve a tech,” Brown stated, suggesting that the technical fouls were unwarranted.

Brown also recounted his own exchange with the officials, accusing them of overreacting. “I come and shake all the refs’ hands because I speak for my team. I’m allowed to talk. So when I tell (the referee) ‘You called a tech for no reason,’ and you say, ‘If you say it again, I’m calling another tech,’ then I say it again, and you call a tech, you just threatened your whistle as a threat. That’s not a part of the game either, and it’s (expletive).”

Celtics look for redemption

The Celtics won’t have to wait long for a rematch. Just 48 hours after the controversial loss, they’ll face the Bulls again on Saturday night, this time at the United Center in Chicago. Boston will look to bounce back from Thursday’s frustrating defeat and continue their strong start to the season.