In the first year of the Ime Udoka era as head coach of the Boston Celtics, it was a goal of his to get the team moving the ball considerably more than in the prior campaign.
There was plenty of room for improvement. The team ranked near the bottom of the league in assists per game by the end of the 2020-21 season.
Udoka was very much successful in his goal. Boston finished the season 14th in the NBA in dimes per contest, up from 25th in now-President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens‘ last season in the role of head coach.
The result of Boston making it within two games of an NBA title is probably a bit much to hang on that specific improvement alone. But it certainly was a major part of what unlocked the Celtics’ star wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in 2021-22.
To see the best passes of that season, check out this highlight clip put together by fan videographer Tomasz Kordylewski embedded below.
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