Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Rips Officiating After Loss to 76ers

The Celtics coach was not pleased with the way Wednesday’s game was called between Boston and Philadelphia.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla ripped the officiating in the wake of Boston’s second consecutive loss on Wednesday night, a 106–103 defeat at the hands of the 76ers.

Specifically, Mazzulla was unhappy with how Philadelphia was packing the paint defensively, which the Celtics coach believed should have been grounds for defensive three seconds.

“The one thing we have to teach our bigs is to stay in the paint on defense and not move and we just got to be able to do that and protect the rim,” Mazzulla said sarcastically, per MassLive.com. “There is a rule called [defensive three seconds], but I don’t know if it’s a rule anymore. But I have to look it up.”

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called out officials for the lack of defensive three seconds calls on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night :: Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports

Boston was outscored 56–40 in the paint on Wednesday night, and the 76ers tallied seven blocks, including four from star Joel Embiid, who also poured in 27 points and added 10 boards.

The Celtics are back in action on Friday night at home against the Nets, where the team will be looking to bounce back in the win column.