Calls Mount for Joe Mazzulla's Firing After Decision in Celtics' Loss to Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 7, 2025 10:39 PM ET

The Boston Celtics fell to the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday. Dropping both games at home, Boston now faces a 2-0 deficit heading to New York.

Like Game 1, the Celtics saw a 20-point lead slip away in this loss. Scoring just 17 points in the fourth quarter, Boston was unable to generate anything offensively. Despite this, the defending NBA champions still had an opportunity to win the game on their final possession.

Trailing 91-90 with 13 seconds remaining, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla opted not to call his final timeout. Boston's final possession ended on a Jayson Tatum turnover.

BRUNSON HITS TWO FREE THROWS.

BRIDGES TAKES THE BALL AWAY.

KNICKS TAKE 2-0 SERIES LEAD. pic.twitter.com/NbyRwQri9O
— NBA (@NBA) May 8, 2025

Many Celtics fans are baffled by Mazzulla's decision not to call a timeout and draw up a game-winning play. Several of them believe this late-game decision should get him fired.

"No timeout Fire Mazzulla," said one.

"I’ll fire Mazzulla tomorrow," added another. "Call a timeout and draw up a play. its a simple sport."

"Fire Joe Mazzulla after this game," implored a third.

"You have to consider firing Mazzulla this summer," said another.

"Mazzulla should be fired," stated one fan. "Two straight losses like that is totally disqualifying. Sorry."

The Celtics now must win at least once in Madison Square Garden to send this series back to Boston for a fifth game. Each of the first two games came down to the wire after Boston led by 20 points, and each went the way of New York.

While Mazzulla won an NBA championship just last season, many Celtics fans feel he is to blame for this 2-0 deficit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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