The Boston Celtics are aiming to defend their championship and become the first team since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back titles. They’re well-positioned to do so and enter the playoffs as one of the top contenders. Their postseason run kicks off Sunday against the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference either the Atlanta Hawks or the Orlando Magic. With championship experience and momentum on their side, anything short of an NBA Finals appearance would be seen as a letdown. High expectations are the norm in Boston, and no one understands that better than head coach Joe Mazzulla.
In a conversation with Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, Mazzulla emphasized that the pursuit of a title is always the goal for the Celtics. “When you’re part of this franchise, the expectation to win is constant,” he said. “It’s not about the past, it’s about consistently striving for excellence every day playing Celtics basketball and chasing greatness. We haven’t repeated before, and nothing is guaranteed, but we stay locked into the process, not the outcome.”
Now in his third full season as head coach, Mazzulla has already guided the Celtics to a conference finals appearance in year one and a championship in year two. While he’s met the lofty standards so far, one title isn’t enough in Boston sustained success is what cements a legacy.
The Celtics enter the playoffs as the East’s No. 2 seed. Although they won’t enjoy home-court advantage throughout, they’ve prioritized health and team chemistry in the final stretch. Mazzulla has proven to be a strong leader, shaping the Celtics’ identity and turning them into one of the NBA’s premier teams.
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