Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla challenged Jaylen Brown’s sixth foul late against the Kings just to hear referee Billy Kennedy deliver the call. The challenge was unsuccessful, but Boston still pulled away to win.
Boston Celtics held an 11-point lead over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday when Jaylen Brown picked up his sixth foul with 2:09 left in the fourth quarter. Normally, a sixth foul would mean the team has to close out the game without their star, but the Celtics decided to challenge the call.
Coach Joe Mazzulla had another reason for the challenge: to hear referee Billy Kennedy deliver the ruling.
“Really just kind of wanted to hear Billy Kennedy,” Mazzulla said after the game, per Celtics insider Marc D'Amico. “He does a great challenge. We were going to do that anyway just to kind of hear him deliver the challenge.”
Unfortunately for Boston, the challenge was unsuccessful, and Brown had to head to the bench. The All-Star had a solid night despite struggling from deep, scoring 29 points with 10 rebounds while going 1-for-9 on 3-pointers.
Kennedy’s challenge calls have become a talking point around the league. The referee is known for his entertaining delivery when explaining decisions, adding a fun twist to what is usually a routine part of the game.
Even without Brown on the floor for the final minutes, the Celtics pulled away, outscoring Sacramento 32-18 in the fourth quarter to secure the win. The victory gives Boston a 3-1 record on their current five-game road trip. Next up, the Celtics will face the Los Angeles Clippers.
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