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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cameron Tabatabaie

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla says mid-series meeting with young cancer patients has helped him center his faith

Prior to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked how he is dealing with any stress and keeping his composure.

The media wanted to know if he had any movies or television shows he was using as a helpful distraction. As it turns out, Mazzulla has been centering his faith and remaining mindful rather than seeking out easy diversions.

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Mazzulla explained he recently visited with three young women, all of whom are dealing with terminal cancer. This experience was a lesson in maintaining perspective, Mazzulla said. Though Celtics are on the wrong side of a 3-1 series deficit and the 2023 postseason could come to an end sooner rather than later, Mazzulla explained he’s perfectly comfortable with where he is at.

I was helping them by talking to them, and they were helping me.” Mazzulla said.

Mazzulla explained his experience talking with these girls and watching them smile and laugh was “what it’s really all about.” A man of faith and of community, Mazzulla explained the experience was helpful for his ability to center his mindfulness. Mazzulla reveled in a chance to contemplate life and “just be faithful.” 

At the time of this writing, Boston could be a few hours away from an early offseason. Mazzulla appears to be taking the moment in stride.

“You know,” Mazzula continued “people give glory to God and say thank you when they’re holding a trophy. But you never really hear it at times like this.”

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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