Joe Mazzulla didn't win it all.
He came close.
The first year Boston Celtics head coach forced a decisive game seven in the Eastern Conference Finals and came up short.
The Miami Heat beat them in a blowout on the way to the NBA Finals.
My lasting memory of Mazzulla this season won't be on the hardcourt. It will be behind microphones during his press conferences.
When asked whether he noticed Prince William and Princess Kate courtside he said:
REPORTER: Did you get a chance to meet with the royal family? And if not, how was it like having them there in the building?
MAZZULLA: Jesus, Mary and Joseph?
REPORTER: The Prince and Princess of Wales?
MAZZULLA: Oh, no, I did not. I did not. I'm only familiar with one royal family. I don't know too much about that one.
In the playoffs as his Celtics got behind early, before climbing their way back into the series against the Heat, Mazzulla said this shaped his world view.
REPORTER: Is there something you're doing over the last 48 hours to keep yourself away from just being consumed with this. Are you watching different movies?
MAZZULLA: Honestly, I met three girls under the age of 21 with terminal cancer. And I thought I was helping them by talking to them and they were helping me. And so having an understanding about what life is really all about, and watching a girl dying, and smiling and enjoying her life. That's what it's really all about and having that faith. You know, the other thing is you always hear people, you know, give glory to God and say thank you when they're holding a trophy, but you never really hear it in times like this. And so for me, it's an opportunity to just sit right where I'm at and just be faithful. That's what it's about.
Perspective, whether it's yours or not, is a powerful thing.
Correction
In a previous version of this piece I confused Prince William and Kate Middleton for Prince Harry and Megan Markle.
Previously on the commentary
Reach me at James@rochesteraccent.com or jamesbrowntv@gmail.com. Or leave me a message at 1-585-484-0339
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