Joe Mazzulla is beloved by Boston Celtics fans for his no-nonsense attitude to just about everything in life, and that hasn't changed after winning a championship.
Mazzulla continues to be motivated by growth to be the best, and the 36-year-old always is looking for ways to improve his team. The pressure to win another championship exists, but the 36-year-old isn't feeling the pressure of having a "target" on his back. Rather, he feels the exact opposite and welcomes another challenge.
It's why Mazzulla explained last week why he doesn't like the phrase "defending a title."
"The word 'defend' is a very passive-aggressive term," Mazzulla said on "Locked On Celtics," per Bleacher Report. "You go back to the animal kingdom, some of the strongest animals don't defend; they're the most aggressive, and they attack the most."
It's certainly a very out-there analogy, but Celtics fans wouldn't expect anything less out of Mazzulla. It also hints at the mindset Boston will enter the 2024-25 season with, especially after the Team USA drama Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum experienced over the summer.
If there ever was a reason to believe there would be rust or a championship hangover, Mazzulla has done everything possible to assure Green Teamers there isn't anything to be worried about.
