Taking the teaching throne of the Boston Celtics over the suspended Ime Udoka, Joe Mazzulla can’t ask for a greater second to jot down off his first official profession win as a head coach.
The Celtics’ 2022-23 season opener got here in particular, because the evening was added by additional significance contemplating that it was their first recreation tribute for the late nice Invoice Russell. The membership fought their method and ultimately grabbed the 126-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Backyard.
For Mazzulla, the Russell-themed evening is a spotlight of his younger teaching profession and a serving to hand to information the title-contending Cs.
“It was a proud second,” mentioned the younger Celtics coach in reference to the context of the evening honoring franchise icon Russell. “I used to be speaking to them concerning the legacy that he left on and off the courtroom, and the duty we feature, and to have the ability to maintain that and construct our personal legacy.”
“He means greater than basketball. He leaves a legacy on the courtroom, and he leaves a legacy off the courtroom … I feel that’s a terrific segue into the sport tonight.”
The 34-year-old mentor can solely tip his hat off to the energetic TD Backyard devoted, exhibiting its assist as they begin a possible run for that extremely coveted banner No. 18.
“I pleasure myself within the Boston followers, and the town of Boston,” Mazzulla added. “When they’re cheering for you, it means you’re doing one thing proper.”
To take pleasure in Mazzulla’s first win, the Celtics took a water bottle soaking ceremony inside their locker room. For the Celtics followers, they’ll solely hope that this celebration will likely be adopted up quickly by champagne-filled title honoring.
