LOS ANGELES — Marcus Smart, formerly of the Boston Celtics and now a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, offers a rare perspective on Joe Mazzulla’s coaching prowess. Having played for both teams, Smart has firsthand experience with Mazzulla’s strategies and leadership. Despite this insider knowledge, the Lakers suffered a decisive 111-89 loss to the Celtics in their Sunday showdown, underscoring Boston’s dominance under Mazzulla’s guidance.
Smart credits Mazzulla’s ability to adapt and adjust based on his extensive experience with the Celtics.
“And he’s been on the team, he’s seen these teams in the past, and he got to take notes from there, and make his own adjustments. So, Joe’s been doing a really good job,”
Smart said in the locker room before their second matchup of the season.
Joe Mazzulla’s Rise from Assistant to Elite Head Coach
Before securing his head coaching position with the Celtics in 2022, Joe Mazzulla served as an assistant coach and maintained a low profile in the basketball community. However, his growth into a leading figure in the NBA is evident, especially during the current season. Many expected Boston to struggle without star forward Jayson Tatum, sidelined with a ruptured Achilles, yet the team continues to impress under Mazzulla’s leadership.
Marcus Smart expressed no surprise at Boston’s success, emphasizing the strength of the roster and team cohesion.
“I mean, for me personally, I’m not surprised. They got a lot of great players over there. These guys been playing together for a while… I definitely think they’re doing what I expected them to do, but it is fun to watch.”
After defeating the Lakers, the Celtics completed a season sweep against Los Angeles for the first time since the 2022-23 season, marking a significant milestone for Mazzulla’s squad. Their recent 22-point victory further solidifies their position with a 37-19 overall record and 19-10 on the road, placing them second in the Eastern Conference despite multiple absences.
JJ Redick Recognizes Mazzulla’s Outstanding Coaching Performance
Lakers head coach JJ Redick also acknowledged Mazzulla’s impact on the Celtics’ success during a pregame press conference.
“I think Joe is — there’s a handful of coaches that I think are doing a tier-one job this year, and Joe’s in that group of coaches, he’s really doing a phenomenal job,”
Redick stated.
Both Smart and Redick hold genuine respect for Mazzulla’s coaching acumen, which extends beyond their personal connections to him. Their professional evaluations signal Mazzulla as a serious contender for Coach of the Year honors in 2026.
Joe Mazzulla’s Perspective on the Season and Future Challenges
Despite the praise, Mazzulla remains grounded, emphasizing that the season is far from over. After the recent victory, he stated,
“The story is the story is not done. We’re only a product of what we do tomorrow and what we do the next day… We haven’t done anything. All we’ve done is stick to the process of winning on both ends of the floor.”
When asked about the recognition his team has received for overachieving, Mazzulla underscored the importance of focus and consistency:
“The season’s 82 not 55… you can’t get caught up in what you’ve done in the past, whether it was good or bad.”
The Celtics now prepare for a crucial Tuesday night game against the Phoenix Suns, who currently hold a surprising 33-25 record. This matchup offers another test for Boston’s resilience and growth under Mazzulla.
Reflecting on the team’s mindset heading into such contests, Mazzulla advised,
“Don’t overreact to a good win or a bad loss, and get better the next game.”
Analyzing the Impact of Mazzulla’s Coaching on Boston’s 2026 Season
Joe Mazzulla’s leadership has had a transformative effect on the Celtics, guiding a roster missing key players to maintain a top spot in the Eastern Conference. His ability to adapt strategy, manage player dynamics, and maintain team focus has earned him acclaim from former players like Marcus Smart and opposing coaches such as JJ Redick. Boston’s performance against historic rivals and consistent road victories highlight Mazzulla’s effective coaching style.
As the Celtics advance deeper into the season, Mazzulla’s cautious yet determined approach serves as a reminder that sustained success requires continuous effort. His emphasis on sticking to process rather than past accomplishments suggests Boston will remain a formidable contender as they pursue championships and further establish Mazzulla’s legacy as one of the NBA’s top coaches.
JJ Redick on the job Joe Mazzulla has done this season with the Celtics:
“I think Joe is — there's a handful of coaches that I think are doing a tier-one job this year. And Joe's in that group of coaches, he's really doing a phenomenal job.” pic.twitter.com/1c66auE6A1
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) February 22, 2026
Joe Mazzulla on whether he was offended, tired, or flattered about all the praise the Celtics have received for overachieving:
“The season's 82 not 55…you can't get caught up in what you've done in the past, whether it was good or bad.” pic.twitter.com/9lOWZNxzhg
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) February 22, 2026
