Best of Celtics on WEEI: Is it a Mazzulla Problem or a Roster Problem?
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The Greg Hill Show dives deep into the Celtics' shocking collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers, now facing a Game 7 after blowing a 3-1 series lead—something the Celtics have never done in their storied history. The hosts, Greg Hill and Keith, dissect whether the failure lies with head coach Joe Mazzulla’s lack of in-game adjustments, the roster’s inability to perform under pressure, or the players’ lack of urgency and effort. They critique the Celtics’ stagnant offense, overreliance on Tatum and Brown in isolation, poor bench utilization, and failure to defend key players like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. While acknowledging the team’s regular-season success, they argue that the current roster—built under Brad Stevens and constrained by financial decisions—may not be equipped for playoff adversity. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of losing in front of a hostile Philly crowd, the absurdity of the 'super team' label, and the possibility that the Celtics’ downfall is less about coaching and more about a team that has outgrown its own talent. Despite the chaos, the hosts remain cautiously optimistic about a Game 7 comeback, urging the team to return to their high-octane, three-heavy regular-season style.
The Celtics must return to their regular-season offensive identity, emphasizing ball movement and three-point shooting, to have a chance in Game 7.
Joe Mazzulla is criticized for failing to adjust lineups and rotations, especially by benching high-energy players like Baylor Shireman and Ron Harper Jr.
The team’s lack of defensive intensity and offensive flow suggests a deeper issue than just coaching—players may not be playing with the necessary urgency.
Blaming Mazzulla alone is a scapegoat strategy; the real issue may be a roster that underperforms relative to its star power and financial constraints.
The Celtics’ 3-1 lead and two 30-point wins make a collapse historically unprecedented, adding immense pressure to avoid an 'earth-shattering choke job'.
Rhode Island Radio Crisis & Fan Loyalty
The episode opens with a heartfelt plea for listeners in Rhode Island, where the show is no longer on the air due to a station sale. Hosts express frustration and gratitude, urging fans to download the Odyssey app and promising a future road show in Newport to reconnect with the loyal audience.
Celtics' Collapse: A 3-1 Lead Gone Wrong
“They're not playing like it. They're not playing like it. That's not us. That's not who we're going to be in games today.”
Blame Game: Players, Coach, or Roster?
“The Celtics are not playing like a team that’s supposed to win. They’re playing like a team that’s coasting.”
The Myth of the 'Super Team' and Philly's Rise
The hosts challenge the narrative that the 76ers are a 'super team,' arguing that their success stems from desperation and execution, not superiority. They highlight how Philly’s depth and energy—especially from Maxey, George, and role players—exposed the Celtics’ weaknesses.
The Coaching Conundrum: Mazzulla vs. Brunson
“There's a difference between saying 'hey, we need to play better' and grabbing someone by the throat and saying, 'we're playing like ish.'”
“There's a difference between saying 'hey, we need to play better' and grabbing someone by the throat and saying, 'we're playing like ish.'”
“They're not playing like it. They're not playing like it. That's not us. That's not who we're going to be in games today.”
“They're not playing hard. Like, no one is playing well. You just said it. Jalen's losing his matchup. Tatum's losing his matchup.”
Hosts
Boston Celtics
other
Jason Tatum
person
Jalen Brown
person
Joe Mazzulla
person
Philadelphia 76ers
other
Joel Embiid
person
Greg Hill
person
Brad Stevens
person
Keith
person
Paul George
person
The Celtics have forgotten how to play
The Greg Hill Show • 15m • 5/1/2026
Did Tatum ruin the team chemistry?
The Greg Hill Show • 14m • 5/1/2026
Were we all fooled by this Celtics team?
The Greg Hill Show • 15m • 5/1/2026
They Said It: Mazzulla on why the series has changed
The Greg Hill Show • 14m • 5/1/2026
Joe Mazzulla please make some adjustments
The Greg Hill Show • 15m • 5/1/2026
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