Boston Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla, is drawing attention with his bold perspective on enhancing entertainment and adding physicality to basketball. According to him, the element of “combat” could bring excitement similar to what fans see in hockey or baseball. In a recent interview, Mazzulla expressed that the lack of “power play” in basketball makes the sport less appealing than other high-intensity sports like hockey.
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“Power Play” in Basketball – A New Idea or a Return to Classic Play?
In an interview on the “Zolak & Bertrand” show on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Mazzulla expressed his desire to bring a style similar to hockey into basketball. He emphasized, “Basketball is one of the few sports that doesn’t have power plays. If there’s a technical foul, you get a shot, but there’s no real reward if the other team fouls you.” He suggested that basketball should apply a “5-on-4” rule for about five seconds or allow only three passes after a player fouls.
Mazzulla even explained that if a player fouls, he should move outside the half-court circle and be restricted to that area for around three seconds – a brief “penalty” that would significantly change the play. While this idea might be unconventional, Mazzulla believes that introducing power plays would bring a different appeal to the game.
The Return of “Combat” – Basketball and Entertainment Factor
Going further, Mazzulla even considered a bolder idea: bringing “fighting” back to the court. For Mazzulla, the absence of face-to-face confrontation in basketball is a major missing element in today’s NBA. He emphasized, “What’s more entertaining than a little brawl?” In Mazzulla’s view, sports like hockey and baseball allow players to “clear the benches” when necessary, and he doesn’t understand why basketball isn’t allowed to do the same.
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Reflecting on last season’s Celtics playoff matchup with Miami Heat, Mazzulla previously expressed his excitement at seeing players get physical. After Jaylen Brown and Caleb Martin exchanged words, Mazzulla expected more from these types of situations, emphasizing that such encounters create excitement and motivation for both fans and players alike.
According to Mazzulla, “fighting” in basketball is not just a form of entertainment but a way to build players’ fighting spirit on the court. He believes that confrontations would boost determination and make each game more dynamic. Face-to-face clashes among players could enhance competition and breathe new life into every game.
Is the NBA Ready for This Idea?
While the NBA shows no signs of supporting the inclusion of “fighting” in their games, Mazzulla continues to emphasize that basketball deserves to be a stage for more intense confrontations. “I don’t understand why some sports are allowed to clear the benches,” Mazzulla said, “while we only have a ball – a device that’s not as dangerous as a stick in hockey or baseball.”
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However, proposing to introduce such rules into basketball will undoubtedly spark controversy. The NBA has long had to change and adjust its rules to reduce collisions and protect player safety. With the speed and physicality already present, adding power plays or actual “battles” could challenge player safety.
Despite this, Mazzulla remains firm in his belief that basketball, a rapidly growing sport with global appeal, would become even more exciting if games included more intense elements and competitive spirit.
While Mazzulla’s idea may not easily gain acceptance in the NBA, it still opens an intriguing discussion about the role of physicality and combat spirit in basketball. The “fighting” and “strength” that he mentions surely reflects the desire of many basketball fans – a desire that could change the way people view and enjoy the sport.
Will the NBA listen to Mazzulla and make these changes in the future? The answer may still be far off, but with bold and passionate proposals like Mazzulla’s, fans are sure to keep watching and hoping for a new era in basketball.
