Joe Mazzulla joins distinguished group of Celtics coaches after winning COTY

"I think it's a stupid award," he said. "They shouldn't have it. It's more about the players. It's more about the work the staff puts in. It's that simple, and I don't ever want to be asked or talk about it again."

Mazzulla, however, didn't have one of his best players for most of the season. Star forward Jayson Tatum didn't play until March 6 because of a right Achilles tear he suffered in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks.

Without Tatum, Boston was expected to backslide this season. Law Murray of The Athletic ranked the Celtics No. 26 in his preseason power rankings, behind the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. Those missed the mark. 

The Celtics went 56-26 this season, finishing with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. The Suns went 45-37, while the Pelicans went 26-56. Again, what was the reasoning for ranking New Orleans ahead of Boston? 

Mazzulla's not taking all the credit for Boston exceeding expectations this season. 

"There's so much that goes into winning one game, and it starts with the players, but it goes to our staff," Mazzulla told NBA on NBC/Peacock Tuesday. "I feel bad that they're not here, but forever indebted to the guys that give up the time with their families and their time to give us a chance to win every day."  

Mazzulla wanted to ensure his staff received their flowers, but it's the HC who must get the job done. He did that this season and now finds himself in a distinguished group of Celtics HCs thanks to his efforts.