Young Coach Makes History
At just 35 years old, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has led his team to their 18th NBA championship. This achievement makes him the fifth youngest coach in history to win a title, putting him in the same ranks as the legendary Bill Russell.
Following in Russell’s Footsteps
Bill Russell, who won the championship as a coach at the age of 34 in 1968, also led the Celtics to victory. Fifty-six years later, Mazzulla has created another moment of glory for the Celtics.
Mazzulla’s Journey
This is only Mazzulla’s second season as a head coach. Hailing from Rhode Island, he entered the NBA draft in 2011 but went undrafted. Ironically, his opponent in the finals, Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, was the number one pick that same year. Mazzulla, who will turn 36 at the end of the month, is younger than many current NBA players, including Celtics center Al Horford, who is three years older than his coach.
Impressive Season Record
Mazzulla is the 19th head coach in Celtics history. Under his leadership, the team posted the best record in the league this season with 64 wins and 18 losses. In the playoffs, the Celtics lost only three games, finishing with an impressive 16-3 record to claim their 18th championship trophy.
| Season Performance | Record |
|---|---|
| Regular Season | 64-18 |
| Playoff Record | 16-3 |
Mazzulla’s Remarkable Achievement
Mazzulla’s accomplishment is particularly notable given his relative youth and inexperience as a head coach. His success not only brings another championship to the storied Celtics franchise but also sets a new standard for young coaches in the league.(JiliAsia)
