Former D’Tigers forward Ime Udoka has taken the Boston Celtics to the NBA finals for the first time in 12 years as they defeated Miami Heat 100-96 in game-seven win.
He becomes the first Nigerian to coach a team to the NBA finals.
Boston failed in their last five play-off runs and almost did so again as Jimmy Butler missed a late three-point attempt which would have given Miami the lead.
But Udoka, the head coach helped them secure victory and will now face Golden State Warriors in the finals with game one to hold in San Francisco on Thursday.
Speaking after the win, Udoka said: "This is a typical Celtics win.
“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 Bolton Celtics led by 17 at one point in the second quarter but a fourth-quarter shake aided Miami repeatedly reduce the advantage.
Hence, after Butler’s missed three-pointer, Boston’s Marcus Smart, who had 24 points and nine rebounds in total, made two free throws to seal the long-awaited finals place.
Recall that Udoka was a player on the Nigerian national team. At the 2006 FIBA World Championships, Udoka led Nigeria in scoring, assists, and steals.
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