Former Mountaineer Joe Mazzulla Returns to Celtics, Explains Reason for Absence

Anyone wondering why Boston Celtics interim head coach Joe Mazzulla hasn’t been on the sidelines for a couple games has their answer.

Mazzulla explained he was hit in the face during a pickup game before returning to his team on Sunday, a 123-111 loss in Denver against the Nuggets. The incident apparently occurred last Tuesday before Boston’s game against Houston. He suffered a corneal abrasion in both of his eyes. Assistant Damon Stoudamire led the Celtics to a pair of wins in Mazzulla’s absence over the Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.

Joe Mazzulla is back and said he’s 100 percent. Said he didn’t watch the #Rockets game because he couldn’t see well. But he did watch LAC game with lights out. #Celtics. pic.twitter.com/ANHcUHIOcH

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) January 1, 2023

The former West Virginia guard who’s ascended the coaching ranks at only 34-years-old has been leading the Celtics all season after taking over the reigns following Ime Udoka’s suspension. Mazzulla has made sure the Eastern Conference defending champion Celtics haven’t missed a beat, guiding Boston to the NBA’s best record.

Mazzulla’s team will next travel to Oklahoma City to battle the Thunder on Tuesday night.