Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has found an unconventional yet effective way to inspire his team during the NBA Finals: by showing them UFC fight footage.
Mazzulla, whose Celtics hold a commanding 3-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks, believes these clips help his players stay focused and resilient in high-pressure situations.
Mazzulla often incorporates footage from recent UFC events, such as UFC 302, into his team’s preparations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining concentration, especially when victory seems within reach.
“The closer you think you’re getting to submit someone is usually when you get submitted,” Mazzulla remarked during a pre-game press conference before Game 3.
In Game 3, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Mazzulla’s motivational tactics seemed to pay off as the Celtics secured another win.
He highlighted a particular instance involving UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who responded to a low blow by refocusing and knocking out his opponent just seconds later. In contrast, another fighter who let a similar foul disrupt his focus ended up losing the fight shortly thereafter.
“There’s a lot of them (that I show),” Mazzulla said, referring to the UFC fights he uses for motivation. “Usually every single fight. But I think it was (UFC) 302. The guy gets hit in the nuts, complains to the ref, and then gets choked out the next round. So he lost his focus. You see Pereira gets hit in the nuts, looks at the referee, knocks the guy out five seconds later.”
Mazzulla believes these examples from the octagon illustrate crucial lessons about handling adversity and staying focused.
As the Celtics approach their potential 18th championship, Mazzulla urges his team to prepare for a tough battle, drawing parallels between the mental toughness required in both basketball and mixed martial arts.
The approach underscores Mazzulla’s belief that the mindset and discipline required in fighting can offer valuable lessons for his players as they strive to clinch the NBA title.
