BOSTON – Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is known for his ability to motivate and push his players to perform at their best. In a dramatic game against a depleted Philadelphia 76ers team on Sunday night, Mazzulla’s challenge at halftime played a crucial role in the Celtics’ remarkable comeback.
Entering the second half down 61-44, Mazzulla confronted his players, expressing disappointment in their first-half performance. The 76ers, despite missing key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George, capitalized on Boston’s struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 10-of-19 on three-pointers. The Celtics, in stark contrast, managed just 7-of-27 in the first half.
Mazzulla put the pressure on his core players, warning them that if they were not ready to compete, he would substitute them out for the bench. “We just had to be honest with ourselves at halftime. Our competitive spirit wasn’t where it needed to be,” reflected star forward Jayson Tatum. The players embraced Mazzulla’s challenge and made the decision to turn things around.
The Celtics struggled initially in the third quarter, but the tide began to shift late in the frame. They trailed by as many as 26 points, yet something clicked for them, igniting a sustained offensive surge in the fourth quarter. Over the final 15 minutes, Boston outscored the 76ers 54-20, with a decisive 38-16 run in that final period, ultimately claiming a 118-110 victory. This marked the Celtics’ biggest comeback win of the Mazzulla era.
Tatum emerged as the standout performer, scoring 25 of his 35 points after halftime, including 13 in the fourth quarter alone. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White also contributed significantly, with Brown scoring 15 of his 21 points post-halftime and White adding 14.
Mazzulla praised his team’s resilience, noting that the effort they displayed in the second half was indicative of their potential. “It looked like they really wanted to do what it took to win,” he said.
The victory extended the Celtics’ winning streak to three games for the first time since early 2025, indicating a resurgence as they aim to solidify their identity as a team. With seven wins in their last ten games, they appear to be finding their groove again.
Looking ahead, the Celtics face a significant challenge with an upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently lead the league. This game presents an opportunity for Boston to build on their momentum and further establish themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Overall, the Celtics’ dramatic turnaround serves as a testament to their grit and the effectiveness of Mazzulla’s coaching. With a strong performance heading into their next contest, fans will be watching closely to see if Boston can keep the positive momentum going.