Each coach has their own training or motivation methods for their group. Joe Mazzulla is no more conventional than anyone else and has his own methods. The Celtics coach often takes examples from other sports such as football or MMA.
On Thursday, Joe Mazzulla compared the Mavericks' thunderous comeback in the final quarter of Game 3 to a combat sport. While the Celtics were very close to inflicting a knockout on the Mavericks, the 22-2 conceded sent them into the ropes, or rather into the gates of the octagon. And the Celtics coach really enjoyed seeing his team being surprised.
“Joe is consistent all the time. What I mean is, he was so happy that it happened like that, because he can keep telling us to stay calm and focused,” testifies Derrick White. “But he just stays consistent. He just makes the right decisions and we trust him completely. But he's sick, he clearly liked the start of the 4th quarter for the Mavs. »
An impression confirmed by Sam Hauser. Seeing his team squander such a lead would drive any coach crazy, but not Joe Mazzulla.
“The Mavs had this big run early in the fourth quarter, and he came in and said, 'This is great,'” says the replacement winger. “It makes us want to win even more. He didn't even focus on winning but on this 'run', but it's cool because it keeps us grounded, there's still work to do. »
“Good job”, the two worst words to say to an athlete
Keeping his players focused has been Joe Mazzulla's main focus throughout the season. The Celtics largely dominated the league in the regular season, and now in the playoffs with 10 wins in a row, but the coach had to make sure that they did not relax.
“He always says 'good job' are the two worst words to say to an athlete. It's easy for someone to slack off after giving them credit,” reveals Sam Hauser. “He does a good job when you're on a winning streak to keep you on track. »
