Joe Mazzulla gave credit to the Patriots on Monday night at TD Garden, one night after the team advanced to Super Bowl LX with a 10-7 win over the Broncos in Denver.
“I just think they’re a team that’s developed identity over the course of the season,” Mazzulla said. “I think every coach, regardless of sport, is looking for that, creating that type of identity and consistency and playing to that throughout an entire season. I think they are a great example of that this year.”
Mazzulla has been a frequent visitor to Patriots training camp during his time with the team and connected with Mike Vrabel when the new Patriots coach was hired this offseason, something Vrabel appreciated.
“Joe’s fantastic. I appreciate him, just from the time I got here, reaching out. We probably are different personalities. I think that’s probably the thing I appreciate most about him,” Vrabel said back during Patriots training camp. “He’s always trying to learn and gain knowledge, different ways about building a team, about strategy, about scheme, about inspiring players to do their job. I always love my conversations with him.”
Mazzulla was not the only Celtic supporting the Patriots at TD Garden Monday night as team owner Bill Chisholm sported a ‘I love Drake Maye’ shirt courtside. Patriots owner Robert Kraft was also in attendance for Monday’s game and got a loud ovation from the Garden crowd when shown on a jumbotron during a timeout.
The Celtics will play a matinee on Super Bowl Sunday against the Knicks before the Patriots face off against the Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium.