Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was found guilty of “aggressively pursuing and inappropriately targeting game officials after the Celtics lost 117-108 to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night at TD Garden.” Language” and was fined $35,000 by the NBA.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula slams referee Justin Van Duyn after team was called for three technical fouls
Prior to Mazzula's outburst, Boston was called for three technical fouls in the fourth quarter — one each for him, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Mazzula appeared to have some harsh words for referee Justin Van Duyn as time expired. In the post-match interview, Mazzula said he just wanted to convey festive cheer to the refereeing staff.
“I just haven't seen them in a while, so just wishing them a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, not sure if I'll see them before the holidays,” Mazzula said. “I can't let you wish someone the best for them, their family and their family.”
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The film of this exchange, however, is devoid of any pleasant dialogue.
NBA team president Tony Brothers said after the game that Brown received a technical penalty for questioning the referee's integrity. Brothers added that Tatum received a technical penalty for “overt conduct toward an official.”
Jaylen Brown says Van Duin gave him and Mazzula technical penalties for no reason
Additionally, Brown said Van Duyn made a technical request to him for no reason and that Mazzula “didn't say anything” that would result in the technical request.
“I was fined a few weeks ago for unintentional gestures that were determined not to be part of the game, which was good,” Brown said. “I accepted the fine. But what part of the game is the referee inadvertently calling a technical foul? I said to him: 'You called the technical staff for no reason. ” He said, “If you say that to me again, I’m going to call another technician. “
“[I said again]”You called the technician for no reason.” Then he called the technician. Like, man, get out of here. You can't threaten a player with a technical foul. This isn't part of the game either. Do you want to fine people for gestures and things like that? All right. Like, that’s some bullshit.
The Celtics (21-6) now look to get revenge against the Bulls (13-15) on Saturday in Chicago. On November 29, in the first game of the regular season series, Boston defeated Chicago 138-129 at the United Center.
According to ESPN's Basketball Power Index, the C's have a 70% chance of beating the Bulls on the road. Of course, NBA betting sites have Boston as a 12.5-point favorite. The Celtics have a 10-2 away record this season.
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