Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is preparing to take on the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals after dominating his opponent in Game 1.
Mazzulla, speaking with media during the team’s practice on Saturday, was asked if he had any thoughts about what it would mean to face another Black head coach in Jason Kidd, the first time since 1975 that there would be two Black head coaches in the NBA Finals.
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Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla points to the point during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Mazzulla betrayed no emotion and gave a witty response.
“I wonder how many of those were Christian coaches,” Mazzulla said.
There was silence for nearly 10 seconds before another reporter asked a question.
Kristaps Porzingis leads Celtics to domination over Mavericks in Game 1
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd disputes a call during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Yahoo Sports Vincent Goodwill, who asked the question, wrote in a column Saturday night that Mazzulla’s “reluctance to discuss racial issues is a complex issue.”
Mazzulla was named head coach of the Celtics prior to the start of the 2022-23 season after Ime Udoka was fired following a cheating scandal.
He led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and the NBA Finals this season.
He spoke Sports Spectrum In April, he spoke about his relationship with God and how it has changed over the years, as well as the “tug-of-war between humility and pride.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla addresses his players during an NBA Finals game against the Dallas Mavericks, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday at 8pm ET.
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