The only thing holding Joe Mazzulla back after the final whistle in Boston’s surprising loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night were two Celtics assistant coaches.

They had to restrain Mazzulla, who unleashed a violent outburst against the officers before leaving court. Mazzulla was upset about three technical fouls the Celtics received in the fourth quarter against the Bulls – one of which was inflicted on him.

Mazzulla’s tirade led to him receiving a hefty $35,000 fine from the NBA on Saturday. Perhaps the hard hit in the wallet triggered a similar reaction from the third-year head coach?

According to Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard, probably not.

“Joe is competitive and we all enjoy that aspect of him.” Pritchard told reporters ahead of the Celtics’ clash with the Bulls in Chicago, according to Noa Dalzell of CLNS Media. “Very competitive. He wants to win every moment, every game, every day and he conveys that to all of us. So I’m sure he didn’t mind taking the fine.”

Mazzulla usually has a reason for all of his actions. So perhaps it was a wake-up call for his team that he went one step further after the game after an uninspiring performance. He certainly wouldn’t mind his competitive spirit rubbing off on his team. Mazzulla would consider this money well spent.

Mazzulla will have had plenty of time to cool off when the Celtics return to the court for their rematch against the Bulls in Chicago on Saturday night. Boston wants to avoid losing back-to-back games for the first time this season.