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Players Say Joe Mazzulla Used Machine-Gun Sound Effects to Open a Celtics Practice

The theatrical drill reflects Boston’s push for more disruptive, full-court defense that has produced one of the NBA’s highest opponent turnover rates.

Overview

  • Derrick White recounted on his White Noise podcast that Mazzulla had machine-gun sounds blasted over Auerbach Center speakers for nearly 10 minutes to start a defensive drill.
  • Jordan Walsh said the episode occurred near the end of the preseason and matched a team mantra of operating in a "war zone."
  • White said the noise "definitely" surprised him, while Walsh said it sounded like Mazzulla and that players laughed as it energized practice.
  • Players and reporting describe Mazzulla’s unconventional style, from Spikeball and wildlife videos to hands-on work where he coaches in a defensive stance during full-court pickup.
  • Boston’s early results are mixed at 4-5, but opponents are committing turnovers at the league’s third-highest rate as the Celtics emphasize pressure and pace.