The dream of going back-to-back hanging in the balance. Their biggest superstar injured. Despite the adversity, Joe Mazzulla’s squad is doing everything they can to save their season as they face the Knicks in tonight’s Game 5. With their backs against the wall, there is zero margin of error and every basket, every wrong call could lead to the Celtics’ elimination. So, Mazzulla is not taking any chances and even willing to confront the refs if that’s what it takes to extend this series.

One such incident occurred in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Upon receiving a pass from Jrue Holiday, a cutting Derrick White drove to the basket for a layup attempt. In the process, he inadvertently hit a contesting Jalen Brunson in the face. And the officials immediately blew the whistle, penalizing White with an offensive foul. Unhappy with the call, Mazzulla was furious and charged onto the court to confront the refs. He also called for a review.

While the officials headed to the monitor, Mazzulla’s outburst continued and he had to be held back by Sam Cassell and security. Fortunately for the Celtics, his review was successful and the call was overturned to a defensive foul on Brunson, sending White to the free throw line. He made one of the two shots, extending the Celtics’ lead to three points.

More importantly, the foul was Brunson’s third of the game and put the Celtics in the bonus. So, the successful review could prove extremely crucial going forward. No wonder Mazzulla so desperately wanted the call to go in his favor. In another angle of Mazzulla’s heated outburst, a video shows him and Al Horford arguing with the refs about the call while Jaylen Brown plays peacemaker, trying to deescalate the situation. But a couple of minutes ago, it was JB who lost his cool.

Jaylen Brown’s controversial antics against Josh Hart caught on camera as NBA refs penalize both stars

Minutes before Mazzulla’s livid reaction, Brown got into a heated shoving match with Hart. The incident occurred when the Celtics star ran into a screen by Josh and the two began grabbing and pushing each other. While the play continued, their altercation began escalating and the officials were left with no choice but to blow the whistle. As Hart and Brown continued pushing each other, their teammates rushed to separate them.

Upon review, both players were penalized with technical fouls for their actions. However, a closer look at the incident explained why Hart was so furious by JB’s antics. Turns out, the Celtics star grabbed his groin area while fighting off the screen.

If that’s the case, the league could review this play after the game and it could lead to serious penalty for Brown, maybe even a suspension. That is if the Celtics are able to win tonight’s game and extend the series. But Mazzulla and Brown’s actions prove their desperation to keep their season alive, at least for one more game. Do you think they can do it?