Joe Mazzulla Puts Trying to Overcome Series Deficit into Perspective

As the Boston Celtics look to make history in the Eastern Conference Finals, Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla talked about the win-or-die mentality that his team is currently facing. The Celtics went down 3-0 to the Miami Heat but have extended the series to a sixth game after an 110-97 win on Thursday.

No team in NBA history has completed a 0-3 series comeback.

Before game five, the former WVU guard gave his perspective of meeting three young women that face terminal cancer.

“I met three girls under the age of 21 with terminal cancer and I thought I was helping them by talking to them and they were helping me,” Mazzulla said.

“You always hear people give glory to God and say thank you when they’re holding a trophy but never really hear it in times like this,” he continued.

Joe Mazzulla delivers a powerful message ahead of Game 5 when asked about the C's win-or-die mentality

Mazzulla mentioned he met 3 young women with terminal cancer which helped his perspective

"You always hear people give glory to God and say thank you when they're holding a… pic.twitter.com/MCK9xhjAqu

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) May 25, 2023

Mazzulla has caught a lot of criticism during the playoffs as the Celtics have high expectations with their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. Boston appeared in the NBA Finals last season and have made the Eastern Conference Finals four out of the last six times. With the high expectations, many believe Mazzulla will be on the hot seat if the Celtics don’t advance to the finals.

Mazzulla is currently in his first season as the Celtics head coach after taking over the interim duties for Ime Udoka. Mazzulla has led the reigning Eastern Conference Champions to 57 wins. Mazzulla also coached in the NBA All-Star Game back in February.