Ime Udoka, a former D’Tigers forward, orchestrated the Boston Celtics’ stunning run to the NBA finals for the first time in 12 years.
After failing in their previous five playoff trips, Boston Celtics were in outstanding form, defeating Miami Heat 100-96 in a game-seven win.
They will now meet the Golden State Warriors in the championship game, which will be held in San Francisco on Thursday.
According to Complete Sports, the Celtics led by 17 points in the second quarter, and Miami had to step up their game, cutting the deficit in half by the fourth quarter.
Butler missed a three-pointer late in the game, but Boston’s Marcus Smart – who finished with 24 points and nine rebounds – converted two free throws to seal the team’s long-awaited finals berth. Udoka told the BBC:
“We fought through a lot of adversity this year. We’re a resilient group and tonight seemed to signify our season. We can’t ever seem to shut the door and have to grind it out.”
The Boston Celtics have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA since 1946, winning seventeen championships, including eight in a row.