BOSTON -- Joe Mazzulla had to be held back from confronting officials by multiple coaches on the court after the Celtics' stunning 117-108 loss to the Bulls at TD Garden on Thursday night.
The Bulls outscored the Celtics 35-22 in the fourth quarter of the loss, which was aided by the officials whistling Boston for three technical fouls in the final six minutes of the game.
Mazzulla was the first Celtic whistled for a technical in a pivotal sequence with 5:12 remaining in the game and Boston trailing by three points. After a jump ball was called on the court in front of the Boston bench, Mazzulla pleaded with official Justin Van Duyne for Jaylen Brown to be awarded the jumpball tip attempt instead of Payton Pritchard after both players tied up Ayo Dosunmu. Mazzulla was immediately whistled for a technical shortly after stepping onto the floor.
"I just can't be on the court," Mazzulla said postgame. "So the ref had to do his job. I was on the court, and that's it."
Brown was later called for a technical foul seconds later after protesting the call against Mazzulla and ripped officials for that call after the game. Zach LaVine made both technical foul free throws and also added a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, leading to a critical five-point swing in the tight game. Jayson Tatum was also whistled for a technical foul two minutes later, helping put an end to Boston's comeback chances to an end. Boston got no closer than six points the rest of the way.
Mazzulla tried his attempt at some humor when asked about what led to his heated reaction after the loss.
"I just hadn't seen them in a while, so just a Merry Christmas, happy holidays," Mazzulla said. "I wasn't sure I was going to see them before the holiday, and I just can't let a moment go by to where you wish someone just the best to them and theirs and their families."
Kristaps Porzingis went to bat for his coach after the loss after seeing his coach trying to talk to the officials.
"It was just a heated moment," Porzingis said. 'Joe's a passionate guy. Fights for his team. He's willing to get a tech for us. Probably felt like there were some not-so-great calls tonight. It happens. Joe's a passionate guy."
Mazzulla and the Celtics return to action against the Bulls on Saturday night at the United Center.