The Boston Celtics’ recent Game 7 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers serves as a stark reminder of how critical strategic decisions can be in high-stakes situations. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s choice to alter the starting lineup in the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum backfired spectacularly, marking the first time in NBA history that a team had three scoreless starters in a playoff game. This unprecedented decision not only impacted the game’s outcome but also raised questions about the team’s preparedness and adaptability under pressure.