Best of Celtics on WEEI: Is it a Mazzulla Problem or a Roster Problem?
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The WEEI Afternoons podcast dissects the Boston Celtics' collapse in their playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, where they blew a 3-1 lead and were defeated in Game 6, forcing a Game 7. Hosts Jones and Keith, along with callers and analysts, debate whether the failure stems from Joe Mazzulla’s coaching decisions or a flawed roster built under Brad Stevens. The conversation centers on the Celtics’ stagnant offense, lack of defensive adjustments, poor bench utilization, and the underperformance of key players like Jalen Brown, Jason Tatum, and Derek White. Despite Tatum’s return from injury, the team’s chemistry and intensity have waned, with players appearing disengaged and the coaching staff failing to make timely in-game adjustments. The hosts argue that while Mazzulla is a convenient scapegoat, the root issue lies in roster construction and player accountability, especially as the Celtics now face a daunting matchup against the Knicks in the next round. The episode ends with a mix of skepticism about the Celtics’ chances and a call to return to their high-octane, ball-moving regular-season style to survive Game 7.
The Celtics’ 3-1 playoff lead was blown due to poor in-game adjustments, not just player performance.
Joe Mazzulla is criticized for not utilizing the bench effectively and failing to adjust defensively.
Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum are underperforming despite being the team's top players.
The roster lacks depth and versatility, with key role players like Sam Hauser and Derek White failing in critical moments.
The Celtics must return to their regular-season offensive identity—running through Jalen Brown and playing faster—to have a chance in Game 7.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Rhode Island Radio Crisis & Show Origins
The episode opens with a humorous yet heartfelt discussion about the loss of WEEI’s broadcast in Rhode Island due to a station sale. The hosts express frustration and rally listeners to download the Odyssey app, while reminiscing about the first Whalers Roadshow as a pivotal moment for the show’s loyalty and community.
Celtics' Collapse: Roster vs. Coaching Blame Game
“You're up 3-1 in a series that you're supposed to win if you lose three straight games. And not for nothing, you lost to the Knicks last year too and you were losing it. He has a little bit of an out with Tatum getting hurt but they were losing that series either way.”
The Players’ Disengagement & Lack of Fire
“Jalen Brown said that the bench guys played harder than the starters did. That's a problem. That's what he said postgame. That's a problem on JT. That's a problem on Jalen. That's a problem on Missoula.”
Offensive Stagnation & Failed Adjustments
“The offense just turning into a predictable one-on-one matchup. Offensive plan by Tatum and Brown, ball movement stifled, and Joe Mazzulla just being pantsed by Nick Nurse the entire game.”
Roster Construction & Team Identity Crisis
The hosts question the quality of the current roster, suggesting it’s not as strong as perceived. They argue that the Celtics are over-reliant on two superstars and lack depth, with role players like Hauser and White failing in key moments. The team’s identity has eroded since the regular season.
“The offense just turning into a predictable one-on-one matchup. Offensive plan by Tatum and Brown, ball movement stifled, and Joe Mazzulla just being pantsed by Nick Nurse the entire game.”
“Jalen Brown said that the bench guys played harder than the starters did. That's a problem. That's what he said postgame. That's a problem on JT. That's a problem on Jalen. That's a problem on Missoula.”
“You're up 3-1 in a series that you're supposed to win if you lose three straight games. And not for nothing, you lost to the Knicks last year too and you were losing it. He has a little bit of an out with Tatum getting hurt but they were losing that series either way.”
Hosts
Jalen Brown
person
Jason Tatum
person
Joe Mazzulla
person
Philadelphia 76ers
other
Joel Embiid
person
Brad Stevens
person
Derek White
person
Peyton Pritchard
person
Paul George
person
Sam Hauser
person
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