News Splash!! NBA fines Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla $35,000 for actions toward ..

**NBA fines Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla $35,000 for actions towar game official**

**Boston, February 11, 2025** – The NBA has fined Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla $35,000 for his actions toward a game official during Sunday night’s matchup against the Miami Heat. The league announced the penalty on Monday morning, citing Mazzulla’s repeated criticism and aggressive behavior toward the referees following a controversial call in the fourth quarter.

### **Mazzulla’s frustration escalates into heated confrontation**

The Celtics were trailing late in the game against the Heat when a disputed call by the referee sparked intense reactions. Mazzulla, who had already expressed frustration over several previous decisions, was visibly upset after a personal foul was called against Jayson Tatum on a crucial drive to the basket.

Following the decision, Mazzulla stormed to the sideline and engaged in a heated argument with the referee. He was immediately assessed a technical foul but continued to voice his complaints, leading to a second technical and an automatic ejection. As he walked toward the locker room, he remained visibly angry and had to be calmed down by his assistants.

After the game, which Boston ultimately lost 112-107, Mazzulla refused to comment in detail on the incident. *“I’m not going to talk about officiating. You all saw what happened,”* he said tersely to reporters.

### **NBA issues fine for ‘unprofessional conduct’**

In an official statement, the NBA explained that Mazzulla’s fine was imposed due to both his direct confrontation with the referee and his continued criticism after the game. *“Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has been fined $35,000 for improperly approaching a game official and repeatedly questioning officiating decisions,”* the league stated.

This is not the first time Mazzulla has been fined for his behavior during a game. Earlier this season, he had already received a warning for similar comments directed at officials. While NBA coaches and players are given some leeway to express their emotions, the league strictly enforces penalties for repeated or aggressive behavior.

### **Reactions from the NBA and the Celtics**

Opinions within the Celtics organization appear to be divided over the fine. Some players, including Jaylen Brown, voiced their support for their coach. *“Joe fights for us and has our back. We’re all emotional in these games. This is basketball,”* Brown said after Monday’s practice.

Celtics president Brad Stevens did not provide an extensive response to the fine but indicated that he would speak with Mazzulla about the incident. *“We need to focus on the game and not the referees. But I understand the passion Joe brings to this team,”* Stevens stated.

Meanwhile, discussions continue in the broader NBA community about how much leeway coaches should have in challenging officiating decisions. Some analysts believe Mazzulla’s actions were unacceptable, while others argue that coaches should be granted more freedom to voice their concerns.

### **What does this mean for the Celtics?**

The fine is unlikely to have a major impact on Mazzulla’s future as Celtics head coach, but the incident raises questions about his temperament and how he handles pressure in crucial moments. Boston remains a strong championship contender this season and will need to refocus after the loss to Miami.

With a tough stretch of games ahead, including matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers, it is crucial for Mazzulla and his team to stay focused and not get distracted by external issues. The coach himself will likely need to better manage his emotions to avoid further fines and penalties.

For now, however, Boston’s primary focus remains on the court, where the Celtics will look to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference.