Joe Mazzulla Weighs in on Celtics' Crunch-Time Offense vs. Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are ranked third in the Eastern Conference standings.

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, the Boston Celtics faced a 105-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland overcame a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to snap Boston’s 11-game winning streak.

With the Celtics trailing by one point, Jayson Tatum was initially granted two free-throw attempts after being fouled by Darius Garland with 0.1 seconds left. But the Cavaliers successfully challenged the call, which resulted in a game-ending tip-off at half-court.

After the loss, Joe Mazzulla conveyed that he tried calling a timeout prior to Tatum’s final shot.

Joe Mazzulla gives his reaction to final seconds of Celtics' loss to Cavaliers... pic.twitter.com/OA2FOaqe8c

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 6, 2024

"I called one [a timeout] at 4.6 [seconds], but they didn’t see it," said the second-year bench boss.

Boston’s head coach also voiced that they needed to go faster on their final possession, though Tatum on Garland was the mismatch that they wanted.

Mazzulla also shared his thoughts on Boston’s offense during the final frame.

“We had a 17-point quarter, so I think it started when we gave up the layup with seven seconds left at the end of third. Closing those quarters, starting those quarters are important… I thought we went cold. I thought we had some really good possessions where we didn’t make the shot, and I thought we had some tough shots. Credit to them.”

Boston's next game is scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 7, against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena; tip-off is at 10:00 p.m. EST. 

Further Reading

Warriors' 'Disrespect' Only One Source of Fuel for Jaylen Brown Sunday

'The Best Team in the NBA': Luka Doncic Struck by Celtics' Balance

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'