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Tim BontempsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO – The Boston Celtics The team is back in the NBA Finals after more than a decade. But, Ime Udoka was the first year coach and said it was not cause for celebration.
“We are not hanging a banner [for that] Udoka stated that the Eastern Conference won because of Udoka. It’s a larger picture. “I think the mindsets of men have changed quickly.
“Enjoy it. That’s what guys love, and that’s why you get to take this time off. Even [Sunday] Evening in the media sessions [after Game 7]Guys are already talking about the future and what the bigger picture is, evidently with us in our locker room.
“This is not what we were meant to do. You have fun with it and get on with the task.
The challenge is to find a way around it. Golden State WarriorsHe was the winner of three championships and made five consecutive trips from 2015 to 2019, before being eliminated in the playoffs the last two seasons.
Golden State comes into this series having played 123 Finals games. Boston, on other hand, does not have any player who has played in a Finals game.
Udoka however said he doesn’t worry about the experience gap. He pointed to the experience he had with his assistant coaches in Finals, where he won a title alongside Ben Sullivan. Milwaukee Bucks Udoka was the winner of a title last season after having coached in numerous Finals with him. San Antonio SpursHe also has a lot of playoff experience.
Udoka explained that he can speak for myself, as a coach, and that he knows what’s happening. He also shared stories with other coaches who have been there and won titles. From that perspective, it’s what it is. We’ll meet with the group to talk about these issues. However, I believe we are a mature group, especially when it comes to our younger men. Al [Horford] And Marcus [Smart]Our veterans are always level-headed and keep us in line. I’m not worried about that. Jayson [Tatum], Jaylen [Brown] The younger guys who haven’t yet been to this stage. As I mentioned, they made it to Eastern Conference finals multiple time and took that step. We know what lies ahead.
“We know what our goal is, and I don’t believe any of our men are intimidated or astonished by it. It is clear to us. We understand the opponent. It’s business as usual for us this year. We’re going on the road, not at all fazed. It’s something we are really looking forward too. There is not much anxiety or nervousness. This is the time we have that we will take advantage of in terms of rest and preparation and be ready for Game 1.
The Celtics will have the opportunity to allow as part of their rest and preparation. Robert Williams III Smart needed to ease the left knee pain that had plagued him during the playoffs. Smart also needed to take a break from various ailments down his right leg including his quad and foot.
Williams was unable to play in three of the semifinal games against the Bucks, and Game 3 against them. Miami Heat After sustaining a bone injury in his left knee, he was forced to miss the Eastern Conference finals. This same knee he had in late March. Brooklyn Nets.
Udoka indicated that Williams would benefit from the rest but that Williams will still need to manage the knee throughout all of the playoffs, as the coach stated previously.
Udoka declared, “Rob is all right.” “He’s good. He felt good. He felt good, even though his minutes were very low. [Game 7 against Miami]. As much as possible, we tried to keep him in his lower part. He will be able to move forward in this lower portion, but it is also beneficial for his health. He should feel much better overall. Today, he will be seen to continue his rehab and treatment to reduce swelling and get some mobility and pain relief. As I said, it will be ongoing. He is day-today for the entire playoffs.”
Udoka stated that Williams should take advantage of the spread out nature of the NBA Finals. There are two days between each game with the exception of Games 3 and 4, which is in Boston.
“[He] It is better to have time in between than playing every day. Going back to the Milwaukee series, he had played 17 straight days every other day for 17 consecutive days, so it’s going be a tough time after a surgery. We will keep his minutes down and get to him feeling better. That will be a benefit for us moving forward.
Smart missed Games 1 and 4, both against Miami, due to a midfoot injury, then an ankle injury. Udoka stated that Smart is fine, having played heavy minutes in Boston’s Game 7, victory over Miami.
Udoka replied, “Marcus. There’s no concern over that.” “The swelling will be what it is. This will diminish as the time passes.
“The pain tolerance, he can clearly tolerate a lot of it, and he did that.” [in Game 7] And played for long periods of time.”