Former Mountaineer Leads Boston Celtics to 18th NBA Championship

Former West Virginia Mountaineer standout Joe Mazzulla has etched his name in NBA history as he coached the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA Championship victory in the team’s latest conquest against the Dallas Mavericks.

The youthful Mazzulla, who took over as the Celtics’ head coach in 2022, added a remarkable achievement to his budding coaching career by leading Boston to a 106-88 triumph in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With this win, the Boston Celtics sealed their NBA-best 18th title in franchise history, marking a historic moment for both Mazzulla and the organization.

Mazzulla now holds the distinction of being the youngest head coach to win an NBA title since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976. Additionally, he is the first individual associated with West Virginia University (WVU) to clinch a professional championship as a head coach since Joe Stydahar steered the Los Angeles Rams to the NFL title in 1951.

Speaking with ESPN’s Lisa Salters following the monumental win, Mazzulla expressed his sentiments on the significance of seizing opportunities for greatness and embracing the responsibility that comes with it, particularly with such a storied franchise like the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics’ victory over the Dallas Mavericks not only secured the title but also wrapped up a dominant season that saw the Celtics finish with the best regular-season record (64-18) in the NBA, with a seven-game lead margin. Their postseason performance was equally impressive, going 16-3 to clinch the championship.

Beyond this latest triumph, Mazzulla’s coaching record showcases his prowess, having reached 100 regular-season wins in just 137 games, making him the fourth-fastest coach in NBA history to achieve this milestone. Notable names preceding him in this record include Steve Kerr, Tom Thibodeau, and Avery Johnson. Mazzulla also maintains the highest winning percentage in NBA history, boasting a stellar 148-55 overall record.

Mazzulla’s basketball journey began during his college days when he played a pivotal role in guiding the Mountaineers to the Final Four in 2010. Later, he returned to West Virginia to serve as the head men’s basketball coach at Fairmont State, further cementing his connections to the state and its basketball legacy.

Reflecting on Mazzulla’s impact, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck highlighted the coach’s ability to navigate high expectations and maintain a winning mindset throughout the season, underscoring Mazzulla’s exceptional coaching acumen and leadership.