Celebrities at Celtics-Mavs Game 2 in Boston

Many athletes with local ties attended including the Bruins David Pasternak, Jeremy SwaymanAnd Charlie McAvoypatriots Matthew Slater, Dietrich Weisz, KJ OsborneAnd Jawaun Bentleyand Olympic gold medalist gymnast Aly Raisman.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver And Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum They were also among those in attendance.

The Mazola method works

Celtics coach Joe Mazzola He often finds ways to connect aspects of different sports, such as football and basketball. He has visited Pep Guardiola In February, the Manchester City coach returned the favor with a visit to TD Garden earlier this week.

“Yes, I mean he’s a great guy,” Mazzola said. “He’s a great coach. Just the humility, the joy, the work ethic, the intensity that he brings. And you know, we’ve developed a great relationship.”

“So I’m very grateful to him, and I’d like to think we make each other better. So it’s great that he was here. It’s great that he was able to share some of his wisdom and spend some time with him.”

Celtics forward Sam Hauser Conversations with Mazzola sometimes include lessons from other species of mammals, such as killer whales, he said.

“I would just say he has a unique style to the game,” Hauser said. “It pulls things from football teams, like killer whales and how they look for food and prey, things like that, and links that to the game of basketball. I think it’s a unique way to do it. It’s different and cool and engaging.”

An honor for Slater

The Celtics recognized Slater, who recently took a job with the Patriots after retiring as a player, as the recipient of their “Heroes Among Us” award Sunday night.

Just Tom Brady She played more games for the Patriots than Slater, and during his 16th season, supported several local charities.

“Slater’s commitment to serving others is rooted in his belief in the power of community,” the Celtics statement said. “A testament to his desire to make tangible differences for those around him, Slater remains committed to supporting foster families, youth leaders, and mentorship programs even in retirement.”

Khari Thompson can be reached at [email protected].