The Boston Celtics have recently celebrated their 18th NBA championship, a historic achievement for the franchise. As the team looks ahead to the new season, many observers and fans are already predicting they might secure back-to-back titles. Despite these expectations, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is less than thrilled about the notion of his team being labeled as the “defending champions.”
On a recent episode of the Locked on Celtics podcast, Mazzulla voiced his discomfort with the term. He described “defending a title” as a passive concept, contrasting it with the proactive nature of truly aggressive teams. He drew an analogy from the animal kingdom, suggesting that the most formidable creatures do not merely defend but actively pursue their goals with aggression. Mazzulla emphasized that the team’s mindset should remain focused on continual improvement and aggressive pursuit of new objectives, rather than resting on past laurels.
Mazzulla’s perspective challenges a common trend in sports, where teams that won the previous season are often labeled as “defending champions.” His comments highlight a broader philosophical approach to team motivation and performance. The Celtics, having recently overcome years of near-success—most notably their 2021-22 NBA Finals appearance where they lost to the Golden State Warriors—are now seen as serious contenders for the title once again.
This season, the Celtics are fortified with new additions such as point guard Jrue Holiday and forward Kristaps Porziņģis, complementing their existing roster of young talent and seasoned veterans. However, the competition remains fierce. The Eastern Conference has strengthened with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, who have added star forward Paul George, and the Milwaukee Bucks, who are hopeful for better health. The New York Knicks have also made a significant move by acquiring Mikal Bridges. With other teams like the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers also on the rise, the path to another championship will be anything but easy.
As the new NBA season approaches, Mazzulla’s approach serves as a motivational strategy to keep the Celtics sharp and focused. His emphasis on attacking new goals rather than defending past victories reflects a broader strategy to maintain momentum and drive within the team. With numerous formidable challengers and an ever-competitive league, the Celtics will need to stay vigilant and ambitious if they are to repeat their success.
Read more at: [Macon Telegraph](https://www.macon.com/sports/article292362349.html#storylink=cpy)