Today may be the first postseason game as an NBA head coach for Joe Mazzulla, but the 34-year-old had his focus elsewhere during his pregame press conference Saturday. Though he serves as the leader for the Boston Celtics, Mazzulla was not wearing his usual Celtics green. Instead, he donned a blue and yellow shirt with the phrase “One Boston” across the chest as he spoke to the media.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing which claimed 3 lives and injured 281. Mayor Wu and the city designated today “One Boston Day” as a way to recognize “the resiliency, generosity, and strength demonstrated by the people of Boston and those around the world in response to the tragedy of April 15, 2013.”
Prior to the opening game between the Celtics and the visiting Atlanta Hawks, Mazzulla spoke about the anniversary, his role as a figure in the city, and his relationship with Boston more broadly.
Mazzulla with huge praise for the city of Boston and the perseverance the community has shown with a One Boston Day shirt to boot pic.twitter.com/7KL9Uvmab9
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) April 15, 2023
“I think it’s an honor and a privilege to coach in this city,” Mazzulla said. “It’s one of the most well-rounded cities, and it’s a place I love to be.”
Mazzulla is a native of Johnston, Rhode Island, just outside of Providence. He played high school basketball at Bishop Hendricken, and though this is his first year as head coach, has been part of the Celtics orbit since 2016. Mazzulla’s New England ties are deep.
“I think we have a responsibility to what’s come before us,” Mazzula said. “Not only in sports but off the court, in areas that we can have a positive impact.”
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Chatting with @Pat_Benson_Jr: Everything You Want to Know About the Atlanta Hawks
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— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) April 14, 2023
One Boston Day is a call for organizations, individuals, and businesses in and around the Hub to promote kindness, spirit, and care as the city reflects on the tragic events a decade ago. Though the Celtics and the Bruins are set to begin their postseason journeys, the 127th Boston Marathon this Monday is the crown jewel for sports this Patriot’s Day weekend.
“The shirt represents kind of what the city has gone through,” Mazzulla said. “They’ve persevered.”
“I don’t take for granted that I’m in a position where I can help others and be a positive impact on our youth,” Mazzulla added. “I think that’s key.”
Mazzulla and the Celtics are facing the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. Boston is seeking a return trip to the NBA Finals and a coveted 18th banner.
Jerseys set for Games 1 – 4 of Boston Celtics – Atlanta Hawks first round series https://t.co/n8IfQxV3Vp
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 15, 2023
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