Ime Udoka: Celtics need better start, can’t ‘play catch-up’ in Game 7 vs. Heat

The Boston Celtics will need a much better first half in Game 7 against the Miami Heat if the team hopes to reach the 2022 NBA Finals, says coach Ime Udoka.

Boston trailed after the first quarter in three of its last four games against Miami, including a Game 6 loss when the Heat jumped out to a 12-5 lead in the opening minutes of the game. The Celtics got their first lead of the game late in the second quarter,