Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla recently shared some unconventional thoughts on NBA regulations, particularly surrounding in-game altercations and penalties. Mazzulla, who leads the Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, with a strong 4-0 start to the season, expressed his support for allowing players more freedom in physical confrontations, much like other sports, including baseball and hockey.
Joe Mazzulla is all about that action @PatBevPod pic.twitter.com/2eGObAki1i
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 29, 2024
In his view, fans are missing out on a more intense form of entertainment due to NBA rules that prohibit fighting. “The biggest thing that we rob people of, from an entertainment standpoint, is you can’t fight anymore” Mazzulla commented. He questioned why, unlike in hockey or baseball, NBA players face immediate penalties for altercations. “I just don’t get why some sports are allowed to clear the benches. We’re not allowed to throw down a little bit?” he added, pointing to hockey players who are often only temporarily sidelined after on-ice fights.
In addition to supporting the return of in-game fights, Mazzulla proposed the NBA adopt hockey-style “power plays”. According to his suggestion, fouls like technicals or take fouls could temporarily penalize the offending team, creating a short-term advantage for the opposing side.