Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla offers prayers to those affected by ongoing violence in Israel

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla offered prayers to those affected by violence in Israel ahead of Sunday’s preseason game.

As Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla closed his pregame press conference ahead of Sunday’s preseason game against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, he turned his focus away from basketball and offered an unprompted message of support for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel.

A surprise attack by Palestinian militants on civilian targets over the weekend left hundreds dead. Israel has since launched retaliatory strikes on targets in Gaza, declaring a state of war for the first time since 1973. Mazzulla, who has used media availability to discuss social issues in the past, extended his support to those wrapped up in the violence.

“What’s happening in Israel right now,” Mazzulla said. “There should be a lot of thoughts and prayers out to those people.”