Joe Mazzulla on how the Boston Celtics need physicality to win this season

Joe Mazzulla on how the Boston Celtics need physicality to win this season
Joe Mazzulla on how the Boston Celtics need physicality to win this season

The Boston Celtics are exceeding expectations in a season where Jayson Tatum is sidelined with an Achilles injury, and Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are now playing for other clubs. Much of that success can be attributed to the MVP-level play of star forward Jaylen Brown and the advancements of Neemias Queta, Josh Minott, Hugo González and especially Jordan Walsh.

But much can also be attributed to the direction of coach Joe Mazzulla, who has his team play especially physical basketball on both ends of the court. Mazzulla talked about that dynamic after a recent Celtics practice, saying it’s “non-negotiable.”

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“We have to be physical,” he explained. “That’s just what it takes to win. It’s not about our team or anything like that. It’s just what it takes to win: a level of physicality.”

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 23: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts during the second half at TD Garden on November 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Magic 138-129. NOTE TO USER: The user expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, the user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“I thought there were some moments where we had great physicality in the game,” the Celtics coach continued, “and now we have to take advantage of it and apply physicality, apply execution, apply situational basketball, all those things that come with playing good basketball.”

“So we’ve had moments where we’ve had to work to be as consistent as possible, but physicality is non-negotiable if you want to have a chance to win.”

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Joe Mazzulla on how the Celtics need physicality to win this season

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