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6 factors behind the Boston Celtics incredible turnaround

By Rob Greene

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 01: Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden on November 1, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

6 factors behind the Boston Celtics incredible turnaround: Ime Udoka

At the beginning of the season, both the media and fans quickly began to question the authority of rookie head coach Ime Udoka. Some of his late-game, crunch-time decisions were debatable, especially an isolation-heavy offense taking center stage.

But as Boston finally got back to full health, he was able to figure out consistent rotations, especially after the trade deadline. And in turn, their constant ball movement and elite switching ability on the other end allow them to run their most experienced lineup without having to tinker.

This success even led Udoka to become the first head coach in Celtics history to win a Coach of the Month award in his first season as a head coach in the NBA.

Following an early month win over Memphis, Celtics beat reporter John Karalis had asked Udoka what happens during halftime that allows Boston to come out and play well in the second half.

“Well, you have the coach of the month in there,” said Udoka with a smile behind his mask. While it was clear that he was joking, Udoka definitely does deserve a ton of credit.

Udoka’s defensive schemes have worked wonders, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially considering all the experience he has. In addition to his playing career, he spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets as an assistant.

But most notably, he spent seven years as an assistant under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio. That’s without even mentioning his time with Team USA and their select team. That’s where Udoka and Celtics’ assistant coach Will Hardy grew a relationship with the team’s core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart.

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