"Every game a rivalry" - Joe Mazzulla weighs in on Celtics-Heat matchups being NBA’s new rivalry

The Boston Celtics played the Miami Heat on Monday. It was the first time the two teams faced off since the 2024 NBA Playoffs. While their matchup took place in the regular season, the basketball world saw their game against each other as a rivalry match.

During a pre-game press conference, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla explained what he thought about their rivalry with the Heat. The media pointed out that Boston and Miami have had several marquee matchups in recent memory and wanted to pick Mazzulla's brain on the matter.

“I would like to consider every game a rivalry," Mazulla responded. "Every single game is an opportunity to win. To take advantage of your opponent, to win the margin. So I'd like to think that they all are."

---

Celtics-Heat postseason rivalry in recent years

Ever since the 2020s era came along, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have arguably reignited their rivalry. It all started way back in the early 2010s era when LeBron James decided to take his talents to South Beach.

Before James teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Boston's big three, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, were the hottest attraction in the Eastern Conference.

However, the rise of the Heatles was inevitable as James, Wade and Bosh quickly took over and won two championships in the four seasons they played together. When LeBron left Miami, both the Heat and Celtics rebuilding.

Fast forward to 2020, Miami's Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo often found themselves matching up against Boston's duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

In the 2020 NBA Playoffs, Boston found themselves facing off against Miami in the Eastern Conference finals. Ultimately, the Heat won that series and proceeded to face the LA Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Two years later, both teams found themselves facing off once again in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. This time around, the Boston won the series and moved on to face the Golden State Warriors in the finals.

In 2023, it was Miami versus Boston once again. The Butler and the Heat proved to be the superior team that year as they advanced once again to the NBA Finals, facing the Denver Nuggets.

Finally, in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat faced off again. However, the circumstances were a bit different as the two teams battled in the first round. It was undoubtedly a statement postseason for Boston. They finally beat the team that always got in their way and won their 18th championship in franchise history.