Ime Udoka attributes Celtics’ struggles to ‘lack of mental toughness’

The Boston Celtics aren’t having a great season and, as their struggles keep on going, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka believes he knows the reason.

This season hasn’t been great for the Boston Celtics or their fans, but at least it seems like Celtics head coach Ime Udoka has been able to figure out why. Following the Celtics embarrassing collapse in a loss to the New York Knicks, Udoka spoke out, blaming the issue on his team lacking “mental toughness.”

According to an article from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Udoka didn’t hold back. When presented with an opportunity to address what was going on with his team in losses like this, Udoka responded, saying “I think it’s a lack of mental toughness to fight through those adverse times.”

Considering how the Celtics once held a sizable lead over the Knicks, it’d be fair to say that Boston was clearly lacking something as the Celtics collapsed and fell short against a pretty mediocre New York team.

Boston Celtics struggles continue as they collapse against New York Knicks

Udoka has plenty of experience both as a player and as a coach. There’s a very good chance he knows exactly what he’s talking about when he discusses his team’s issues as they move forward.

This is Udoka’s first season as a head coach. Prior to leading the Celtics, Udoka was an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets from 2020 to 2021. Before that, Udoka was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers. Udoka got his coaching start as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs from 2012 though 2019, helping Gregg Popovich win a title in 2014.

The Celtics are currently 18-21. Boston will have an opportunity to get a bit of revenge against the Knicks when they play Saturday evening.