As Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla closed his pregame press conference ahead of Sunday’s preseason game against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, he turned his focus away from basketball and offered an unprompted message of support for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel.
A surprise attack by Palestinian militants on civilian targets over the weekend left hundreds dead. Israel has since launched retaliatory strikes on targets in Gaza, declaring a state of war for the first time since 1973. Mazzulla, who has used media availability to discuss social issues in the past, extended his support to those wrapped up in the violence.
Buy Celtics Tickets“What’s happening in Israel right now,” Mazzulla said. “There should be a lot of thoughts and prayers out to those people.”
With ownership publicly stating they are ready to do whatever it takes to hang Banner 18, there’s a lot to be excited about in Boston. https://t.co/NgFzKISrvj
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 5, 2023
“There’s obviously a lot of stuff that goes on in our country,” Mazzulla continued. “We’re not perfect and, there’s people that are hurt every day in our country.”
“But when you look at the bigger picture, and you spend time there, you see what people go through on a minute-to-hour basis, you don’t realize the struggle that other people go through,” Mazzulla said.
Mazzulla told reporters he has twice visited Israel and experienced some of the social dynamics up close. He told reporters that the weight of history and the threat of violence is palpable.
Boston Celtics projected by ESPN to lead the NBA in wins in 2023-24 https://t.co/5qVpu1hB7b
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 8, 2023
It was an important reminder that while professional basketball is a serious pursuit, it pales in comparison to the trials and tribulations we face away from the court.
“It doesn’t matter what you are, right?” Mazzulla said. “Whether you’re a Muslim, whether you’re Jewish, or Christian. Israeli or Palestinian, they’re all people and they go through a lot, a lot of dangerous times and situations.”
Boston's Jaylen Brown inadvertently wears his game shorts backward for Cs-76ers preseason tilt https://t.co/GpnYPXr2Qs
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 8, 2023
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
