Joe Mazzulla reveals strategy to keep Boston players motivated all-season long

Sometimes after achieving your biggest goal, you can lose motivation. Maybe you would even think that after the Celtics conquered the NBA title in the 2023-24 season, they would eventually sink, but the truth is, the team has entered this campaign with a commanding 17-4 record and headed to the top once again. 

Sure, it is too early to know if Boston will actually turn out to be serious contenders this year, but Joe Mazzulla is already trying his best to keep his players motivated. Known for his innovative coaching methods, the tactician recently revealed the approach that he believes is fundamental for their aspirations.

After their most recent victory against Miami, he explained why he coses not to inform players in advance about whether they will be in the starting lineup that night. “I just feel like if you give a guy an idea if he’s going to or not going to, it changes his preparation on a daily basis,” Joe shared.

Why Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla won't let bench players know when they'll play https://t.co/XkpeP8cPx4 pic.twitter.com/w3nTXEquIt

— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 5, 2024

Mazzulla is convinced that by withholding information, he keeps his pupils mentally focused and thirsty, in spite of what their role will be in the game. “They have to be ready to go and they got to treat every single game as if they are going to impact winning.”

“I want our guys to come into the arena every day thinking that their process is important towards winning… By not telling them, it allows them to treat every single day as if it’s the most important day and they do a great job of embracing that,” the coach added.

Even though Mazzulla hasn’t been an NBA head coach for a long time, his success in Massachusetts has earned him a rightful reputation around the league. “You gotta be ready to go at anytime. If you’re only ready to go because you know you’re going to play, then that doesn’t really help your process,” he assured.

The Boston tactician further explained why his approach ensures that his roster remains sharp throughout the season and stay motivated for every game, as well as dealing with last-minute changes. “It’s important because there’s just a lot of unpredictability over the course of the season,” Mazzulla said.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown recently explained about the importance of star players playing in back-to-back games if you want to contend for title

If you play for the Celtics, you pretty much have permission to say whatever you want, especially if you were played a fundamental role in the team’s championship run last season like Jaylen Brown did. The Boston star recently talked about the importance of availability if you want your team to thrive in the NBA.

Without mentioning any names, the Finals MVP called out players like Joel Embiid for not competing in back-to-back games, as the guard believes that this is a requirement for leading a team to the top of the league. In a recent interview, the All-Star explained his position, which resonated around the NBA.

“I try to always be there as a leader for our group and make myself available,” he said following Boston’s 108-89 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday. His words were backed up by his actions that night, as he had been battling with illness in the days prior to that match, and still made the effort to play.

“Back-to-backs are tough on the body and the mind,” Jaylen assured. “But as you are looking to do something special, those are the moments you gotta kinda accept. It’s hard for teams to be great if some of their best players never play back-to-backs.”