How Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola helped Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzula with tactics for NBA Finals

While it’s not unheard of for a coach to seek perspective from another, it’s not common to see one doing so in a completely different sport. Yet, that’s what the Celtics tactician appears to have done and it would be fair to say that the decision paid off.

Joe Mazzulla sought Pep Guardiola’s counsel

By now you know that the Boston Celtics are the 2024 NBA champions. Following a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, the Celtics clinched their 18th title and with that, took sole possession of the title of winningest franchise in NBA Finals history - they were tied on 17 with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s worth noting that for a team that is as steeped in success as the men in green, this was actually their first title since 2008 i.e., it’s been a long time coming

Yet, what’s truly worth noting is the way in which the Celtics went about their job. Indeed, despite the score in the series, the Mavericks were by no means a pushover across the five Games that the teams played. So, what was the difference? According to reports, it may be that the Celtics found a key to unlocking the Mavericks in another sport completely. While it may sound hard to believe, it’s now understood that Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla spent time with the head coach of English Premier League champions Manchester City FC, Pep Guardiola.

As he explained, it was about dealing with the defense of the Dallas Mavericks, one that is considered among the most formidable in the NBA. Following the team’s historic win in Game 5 on Monday night, the Rhode Island native gave credit to Guardiola, explaining that the former FC Barcelona coach assisted him with the Celtics’ transition Game. “Dallas has one of the smartest defenses,’ Mazzulla said. “We had to be creative to counter them. Pep [Guardiola] helped me in transitions and how to move guys.” Guardiola was of course seen courtside for Game 1 of the NBA Finals and sporting a Celtics t-shirt no less. Ultimately, while it would be safe to say such a crossover is not common, it may be food for thought where the future is concerned as it clearly worked.