Dennis Schröder was not a fan of the Celtics’ handling of a fourth-quarter decision while leading his team by nearly 30 points on Saturday night. With Boston ahead 113-86 and 3:39 remaining in the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to challenge an out-of-bounds call.
The decision left Raptors coach Darko Rajaković, Schröder and multiple others perplexed. Schröder was vocal with his feelings after the game, calling out the Celtics both for the decision and the "disrespect" he felt came along with it.
"Up 30 you're not supposed to challenge nothing," Schröder told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. "You won, it's three minutes left. You shouldn't disrespect us like that."
Mazzulla explained the decision after the game, telling reporters he saw it as an opportunity to "empower the players."
"I think it's my responsibility to my players first and it was a clear opportunity for me to empower the players, let them know that I'm coaching you," Mazzulla said, per CLNS Media.
The Celtics went on to win 117-94 in a game they led by 17 entering the fourth quarter.
