Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla quips that he wished ref a 'Merry Christmas' in irate postgame outburst
If it looked as thoughΒ Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was irate with referees at the end of Thursday nightβs loss to the Chicago Bulls, that would be incorrect to assume. At least, that is what Mazzulla would like people to think.Β
Following the 117-108 loss, Mazzulla charged the court looking to have words with official Justin Van Duyne seemingly in reference to the back-to-back technicals the official gave him and Celtics forwardΒ Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter.Β
Several people had to hold Mazzulla back. He was eventually ushered off the court without incident.Β
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During his postgame presser, Mazzulla said he received a technical for walking on the court β something he admitted he should not have done. However, when asked what "message" he was trying to deliver at the end of the game, Mazzulla had an interesting explanation.Β
"I hadnβt seen them in a while, so just aΒ βMerry Christmas, Happy Holidays,β" he said with a serious expression.Β
"I wasnβt sure I was gonna see them before the holiday, and you just canβt let a moment go by where you wish someone the best to them and their families."
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Brown, however, was not wishing anyone a happy holiday in his interactions with game officials.Β
"I said to (Van Duyne), βYou called a tech for no reason.β He said, βIf you say to it me again, Iβm going to call another tech,β" Brown said, explaining that he approached Van Duyne to clarify what Mazzullaβs tech was for.Β Β Β
"You canβt threaten guys with a technical foul, thatβs not part of the game either. If you want to fine guys for gesturing and all that stuff β fine that. Thatβs some bulls---."
Mazzulla will have the chance to spread some more holiday cheer when the two teams meet again on Saturday.Β
The Associated Press contributed to this report.Β
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