Jayson Tatum, Joe Mazzulla on how playoffs are truly different here in Boston

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Apr 20, 2026 - 03:30
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Jayson Tatum, Joe Mazzulla on how playoffs are truly different here in Boston

BOSTON — After every win from the Boston Celtics, their social media team will post "Different Here" on various platforms. It was a slogan that came about ahead of the 2023-24 season — when the C's last won an NBA title — emphasizing how basketball and sports fandom in Boston are exceptionally unique. The mantra has remained true since its inception and that was clear on Sunday afternoon when the Green Team demolished the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

During Boston's wire-to-wire win, the TD Garden faithful did the wave, cheered in deafening fashion, and mocked Philadelphia by chanting, "We want Boston." That was the same phrase some Sixers fans were shouting near the end of their team's Play-In Tournament win on Wednesday night over the Orlando Magic, which clinched Philly a postseason showdown with Boston.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is used to the impressive home crowd and was once a member of it, as he grew up a Green Teamer and was born and raised in Rhode Island. But just because he's aware of the Celtics' homecourt advantage doesn't mean he'll ever take it for granted.

"I thought our fans were great tonight, (they) helped us get off to a good start," Mazzulla said following the blowout. "Playoff basketball, it obviously means more. It's different in Boston, which we appreciate."

Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who dazzled the Boston faithful with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes, gave Celtics fans plenty to cheer about on Sunday. And even though he missed 66 games this season due to an Achilles rupture and the rehab that accompanied such a devastating injury, he didn't forget the impact Celtics fans can have on a game, especially in the playoffs.

"We have a tremendous crowd," Tatum praised. "I missed playing in front of our home crowd and just the opportunity again to play here in the playoffs is special."

A loud, encouraging fanbase for a Boston sporting event isn't anything new. But, the fact that it's so ordinary in Beantown is perhaps what makes it truly "different here."

"Playoff energy, playoff basketball, it's so much fun," Celtics star Jaylen Brown said at the podium.

Every NBA arena isn't always packed for the playoffs, let alone the regular season. The Celtics themselves realize that whenever they travel to certain stadiums and see some empty seats.

So, the level of support they receive day in and day out is something to be grateful for.

"I'm happy to be here," Brown stated.

It's no time for the Celtics to get lost in the fun of a big win at home, though. Mazzulla, Tatum, Brown, and the rest of the organization realize that and intend to compete like they have something to prove on Tuesday night during Game 2.

"Nothing is guaranteed, we're not guaranteed to win the next game," Brown said. "You just got to come out and play and earn it."

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics crowd reminds Jayson Tatum, Joe Mazzulla of how it's different here in Game 1 blowout

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