In a heartwarming moment after the Boston Celtics’ practice session at the Auerbach Center, NBA superstar Jayson Tatum and head coach Joe Mazzulla decided to put their competitive spirits aside to enjoy a game of “Duck Duck Goose” with a group of children. The Celtics, fresh off a rigorous day of training camp, took the time to connect with the younger fans, showing a softer side of the team before the grind of the 2024-25 season begins. Tatum, known for his elite skills on the court, was seen joyfully engaging with the kids, even taking on the role of the first person to be “it” in the game, meaning he had to chase the others around the circle.
Jayson Tatum playing duck duck goose with a bunch of coach and players’ kids after Celtics practice pic.twitter.com/PaqTCseO0x— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) September 29, 2024
This delightful moment quickly made the rounds on social media, with Tatum sharing a clip of the game, sparking reactions from fans and media alike. For a team that’s constantly under the intense spotlight of the NBA, this candid interaction provided a much-needed respite from the usual pressure. The Celtics forward’s willingness to participate in something as simple as a children’s game reflects his down-to-earth nature despite being one of the league’s top stars.
🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/VFZvzt34po— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) September 29, 2024
This practice session was their last in the United States before the team heads to Abu Dhabi for a preseason matchup against the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets. While the Celtics are gearing up for a challenging season, the light-hearted moments like these show that the bond within the team extends beyond the game. Jayson Tatum and Joe Mazzulla, while leaders on the court, demonstrated a sense of camaraderie and community, which is just as vital to their success as their tactical execution.
As fans gear up for the Celtics’ season opener on October 22 against the New York Knicks, this fun interaction serves as a reminder that athletes, no matter how serious or competitive they are, can still take a moment to relax and engage with those who admire them. The Celtics, driven by their ambitions of another championship run, are also aware of the importance of maintaining strong connections with their community, especially the youth who look up to them.
The light-hearted moment between Tatum and Mazzulla also contrasts the heavier discussions around the Celtics, particularly regarding Tatum’s benching from Team USA. At Boston Celtics Media Day, Tatum revealed that Mazzulla was surprisingly pleased about his benching from Team USA during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Tatum also mentioned that Mazzulla was happy he didn’t win the Finals MVP and didn’t play in two games during the Paris Olympics.
When asked to explain his stance, Mazzulla clarified that his reaction was rooted in his desire to push Tatum toward further greatness. “That comes off as love,” Mazzulla said. “That’s just the way that I love him. This is the relationship we have, and I appreciate that he accepts my perspective.” Mazzulla stressed that his happiness wasn’t about diminishing Tatum’s feelings but rather about motivating him to reach even greater heights in his career.
Mazzulla’s comments reflect his belief that setbacks can serve as fuel for future success. “It doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be pissed off about it,” Mazzulla continued. “But as his coach and as someone who really cares about him, I thought it was great because it gives him something to work toward for the rest of his career.” For Mazzulla, Tatum’s benching wasn’t a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth—a chance to sharpen his focus and prepare for the challenges ahead.
As the Celtics prepare for the 2024-25 season, Tatum’s ability to harness that motivation will be key. Mazzulla’s faith in his star player is evident, and the head coach’s approach seems to be resonating with Tatum. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to success, could be the foundation for another strong Celtics campaign.
While the game of “Duck Duck Goose” may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, it symbolizes the balance Tatum and Mazzulla are striving for: the balance between hard work and joy, between ambition and connection. The Celtics, under Mazzulla’s leadership, are gearing up for another shot at the NBA title, and if moments like this are any indication, they’re doing it with a sense of unity and perspective that will serve them well in the months to come.
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