Joe Mazzulla took over as the head coach of the Celtics unexpectedly before the start of the season after the team suspended Ime Udoka.
The rookie coach has just completed his first playoff series by defeating the Hawks 4-2 in the first round. Boston’s star Jayson Tatum was asked about Mazzulla’s playoff debut after Game 6.
“He’s been great. He’s been great all season just managing personalities, managing games,” Tatum said. “The season is long. We had great periods, we had periods where we slipped a little bit.
“His faith is us, our faith in him and essentially just I say it all the time, this is like a relationship – we all on the same page. As much as he’s helping us, we’re helping him because we’re all on the same team.
“I think he always finds a way to maintain his poise especially as the coach leader of the team. That’s important. When things are going great, you stay the same. When things aren’t going great, you stay the same. He’s done a great job.”
The Celtics will face the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
