The Boston Celtics are one win away from the 2024 NBA Championship after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-99 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 12 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla's strategies have played a big part in this success by integrating aspects from other sports.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared that the 35-year-old motivates the team by showing them clips from different sports, including one from UFC, to convey his messages.

"He's a big UFC fan. And you know, showing us fights of people that I don't know, like the terminology of UFC, but put them in a chokehold and s**t like they about to tap out. You just see the guy or the woman who is winning relaxing because they feel like they are about to win, and then, you know, you give the other person life," the 26-year-old said.

Aside from showing his team UFC clips, Mazzulla previously shared that he has extensively studied Manchester City and their manager, Pep Guardiola.

Celtics nearly blow huge lead vs Mavericks

Mazzulla's UFC reminder about the dangers of relaxing while on the verge of winning, which can give the opponent new life, was evident in Game 3 against the Mavericks.

The Celtics took a 21-point lead in the second half, but the Mavericks cut it down to just one in the fourth quarter.

However, the Celtics caught a huge break when Mavs star Luka Dončić fouled out with about four minutes remaining, subsequently making timely plays to salvage the win.