The exciting NBA Finals Game 1 stunned many due to the Boston Celtics’ absolute dominance over the Dallas Mavericks. While the Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla, often came under scrutiny for his coaching style, following the 107-89 win, he garnered acknowledgment for displaying a defensive masterclass against the Western team. However, after what Sam Hauser said, there seemed to be another mastermind who deserves some credit for Boston’s success.
The Celtics forward praised Mazzulla by saying, “He’s got a unique approach to the game. He pulls things from soccer teams, pulls things from killer whales and how they go about finding food and prey, things like that.”
This certainly explains why football coach Pep Guardiola was spotted in the TD Garden on Thursday night. During the offseason when his Manchester City players are occupied with their families or representing their countries, the manager took a break to visit the USA with his wife.
Guardiola was seen talking to Mazzulla with the same hand gestures he uses with his players. This made several fans believe that the City manager was giving coaching tips to the Boston coach.
Joe Mazzulla Explains His Relationship With Pep Guardiola
When asked about his relationship with Pep Guardiola, Mazzulla revealed, “We’ve known each other for a little over a year and a half. I’ve always just admired him and wanted to learn about him because of how he carried himself.”
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Speaking highly about the Spaniard, Mazzulla added, “I study a lot of Man City. I study Pep a lot. I think he’s the best coach at any level, in any sport. It’s had a huge influence (on me).”
Guardiola is enjoying immense success in the blue side of Manchester and will continue to do so even in the following season. While City aimed at repeating another treble this season, they were obstructed by Real Madrid in the Champions League and their arch-rival Manchester United in the FA Cup. However, they imprinted their names on the Premier League’s history book and were the first to win four straight league titles.
Mazzulla definitely benefitted by taking a note or two from a coach like Guardiola. Hopefully, the Celtics HC has gathered enough to beat the Mavericks in three more games to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Also Read: Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Shares His ‘Magical’ Pre-Finals Hobby That Might Shock His Fans
