Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla quips that he wished ref a 'Merry Christmas' in irate postgame outburst

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

If it looked as though Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was irate with referees at the end of Thursday night’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, that would be incorrect to assume. At least, that is what Mazzulla would like people to think. 

Following the 117-108 loss, Mazzulla charged the court looking to have words with official Justin Van Duyne seemingly in reference to the back-to-back technicals the official gave him and Celtics forward Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter. 

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts after being called for a technical foul as they take on the Chicago Bulls in the second half at TD Garden on Dec. 19, 2024 in Boston. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)

Several people had to hold Mazzulla back. He was eventually ushered off the court without incident. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

During his postgame presser, Mazzulla said he received a technical for walking on the court – something he admitted he should not have done. However, when asked what "message" he was trying to deliver at the end of the game, Mazzulla had an interesting explanation. 

"I hadn’t seen them in a while, so just a ‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,’" he said with a serious expression. 

"I wasn’t sure I was gonna see them before the holiday, and you just can’t let a moment go by where you wish someone the best to them and their families."

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla held back as he reacts after being called for a technical foul as they take on the Chicago Bulls in the second half at TD Garden on Dec. 19, 2024 in Boston. (David Butler II-Imagn Images)

CELTICS HEAD COACH ADMITS HE'D 'RATHER WATCH