Joe Mazzulla credits soccer coach Pep Guardiola for helping tackle Dallas Mavericks defense

Joe Mazzulla made history by leading the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA championship.

Joe Mazzulla credits soccer coach Pep Guardiola for helping tackle Dallas Mavericks defense

Joe Mazzulla and Pep Guardiola

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has praised Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for his help and inspiration during the NBA Finals. Guardiola, a renowned soccer coach, took time to work with Mazzulla and share his expertise, which contributed to the Celtics’ 4-1 series win in the Finals over the Dallas Mavericks.

Joe Mazzulla credited Guardiola with helping him develop strategies to counter the Mavericks’ defense, including advice on spacing, transitions, and player movement. Pep Guardiola was even spotted at Game 1 of the series, showing his support for Mazzulla and the Celtics.

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Dallas has one of the smartest defenses. We had to be creative to counter them. Pep was helping me with spacing, transitions, and how to move the guys. He’s a great person. He’s a great coach. It’s just the humility, the work ethic, the intensity he brings.
Joe Mazzulla said addressing the reporters

Mazzulla expressed his gratitude for Guardiola’s guidance and humility, saying that their relationship has made them both better coaches. He also praised Guardiola’s work ethic and intensity, which have inspired him to adopt similar approaches in his own coaching.

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With Guardiola’s influence and the team’s hard work, the Celtics secured their 18th NBA title, with Jaylen Brown being named the Finals MVP. The championship win marks a historic moment for the team and a testament to the impact of innovative coaching and collaboration across sports.

Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla makes history in NBA Championship win

Joe Mazzulla, the 35-year-old head coach of the Boston Celtics, has made history by leading the team to their 18th NBA championship. He is the fifth-youngest head coach to achieve this feat since the NBA was formed in 1950, and the youngest since Bill Russell in 1968.

Mazzulla’s accomplishment is even more impressive given that he was only in his second season as a head coach. He took over as interim coach in 2022-23 and was officially hired as the 19th head coach in Celtics history in February 2023.

Mazzulla’s youth is notable, as he is younger than many active NBA players, including his own player Al Horford. He will turn 36 on June 30, cementing his status as one of the most successful young coaches in NBA history.

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