Celtics' Joe Mazzulla criticized for head-scratching decision in Game 2

Did Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla mess up?

During a critical juncture of Game 2 on Wednesday night against the New York Knicks, Mazzulla made a tactical decision that backfired. 

With 2:42 remaining in the fourth quarter and Boston clinging to a four-point lead, Mazzulla opted to intentionally foul Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, a career 52% free-throw shooter, aiming to force him off the floor. 

While the strategy removed Robinson, it put the Knicks in the bonus, a move that proved disastrous and drew sharp criticism for its lack of foresight.

Mazzulla’s rationale hinged on Robinson’s +19 plus-minus and the potential to open the paint for Boston’s offense. However, the decision ignored the Knicks’ depth and free-throw proficiency.

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By fouling Robinson twice, Boston handed New York’s sharpshooters—Jalen Brunson (82% from the line), Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns—an opportunity to capitalize. Once Robinson was subbed out, the Knicks exploited the bonus, with Brunson drawing fouls and sinking clutch free throws to erase Boston’s lead.

The move also disrupted the Celtics’ defensive rhythm, allowing New York to seize momentum.

Fans and analysts on X lambasted the call, with some calling it “mind-boggling” and “stupid,” arguing it traded a manageable threat in Robinson for New York’s elite perimeter defenders. Mazzulla’s gamble, intended to exploit a weakness, instead exposed Boston’s vulnerability under pressure. 

As the Celtics head to Madison Square Garden, this tactical blunder underscores the need for sharper situational awareness from Mazzulla to avoid further unraveling Boston’s repeat hopes.

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