Ime Udoka Says Celtics Poor Intensity And Focus Pregame Carried Into Game

[RealGM Wiretap]

Ime Udoka didn't mince words when talking about the Boston Celtics lack of intensity and focus during their loss against the Washington Wizards. Udoka said the problems started at shootaround early on Wednesday morning.

The first-year head coach said, "Our intensity and focus wasn't there from the start. It was like that at shootaround and I got on the guys for it then. And then it carried over into the game."

"I told the guys this morning if they play tonight with this intensity and focus, they'd get their asses kicked. And for three quarters that's what happened", Udoka added.

A visibly disappointed Al Horford echoed his coach's sentiments postgame. The veteran big man said, "We need to be committed to preparing and working before the games. We have to be better at that."

As for the cause of the effort and intensity issues, Udoka, Horford, Dennis Schroder and Jayson Tatum didn't have any answers. All recognized that it needs to change if Boston is to reach their potential.

Via Keith Smith/CelticsBlog

[BigHustle]

Lack of hustle getting embarrassing and too consistent over multiple years. The players - mainly JB - can’t use the coach as their excuse now. Time to own it and time to step up JB / JT / MS.

[njknicks]

It will take time for the Celtics lineup to gel -- especially given they are still learning Udoka's coaching style.

Udoka will also need time to adjust ( 20 to 25 games in, will come to understand the true grit of the team )

[boston_fan_ct]

Ime doesn't know what he is talking about. it isn't lack of intensity that is the problem. this has been going on with this team for over a year. until they can start playing the right way this is a 500 team.