Joe Mazzulla’s Two-Word Post-Game Press Conference Goes Viral After Celtics’ Controversial Loss
Jan 9, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla watches from the sideline as they take on the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Joe Mazzulla made his feelings crystal clear after the Boston Celtics‘ crushing last-second loss to the Indiana Pacers. The head coach’s post-game press conference became an instant classic, but not for the reasons you might expect.
When reporters gathered to ask about the 98-96 defeat in Indianapolis, Mazzulla had prepared his response. To every single question thrown his way, the Celtics coach delivered the exact same answer: « Illegal screen. »
Pacers beat the Celtics tonight on a late bucket from Pascal Siakam.
Joe Mazzulla had the same answer for every single postgame question:
« Illegal screen. » pic.twitter.com/vyZQNjGCl1
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) January 13, 2026
A masterclass in making a point
The press conference unfolded like a broken record, with Mazzulla’s frustration evident in his repetitive responses. When asked to « take us through the last couple of possessions, » his answer was simple: « Illegal screen. » The follow-up question seeking clarification received the same treatment: « Illegal screen. »
Even when reporters tried different angles, asking « What fell apart to get you guys behind? » and « What do you want people to know about that? », Mazzulla never wavered from his two-word mantra. The final question of the evening – « Is there anything else you would like to say? » – received the predictable response that had defined the entire session.
The controversial play that sparked the outburst
Mazzulla’s point of contention centered on the game’s decisive moment. With seconds remaining, Pacers star Pascal Siakam set a screen at the top of the 3-point arc that caused Boston’s Derrick White to lose his balance. Siakam then received the ball back from Andrew Nembhard, pump-faked, and stepped inside the foul line for a high-arcing leaner that banked through with 6.1 seconds remaining, sealing Indiana’s victory.
The Celtics have been dealing with ongoing officiating frustrations recently. Earlier on Monday, star Jaylen Brown was fined $35,000 by the NBA after he criticized the officiating following the team’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Mazzulla’s unconventional press conference approach appears to be his way of expressing similar frustrations while potentially avoiding a similar fine.
This memorable post-game session will likely be remembered as one of the most unique press conferences of the season, perfectly capturing a coach’s frustration in just two words.
Commentaires