As the Boston Celtics aim to build a commanding 3-1 lead over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Ime Udoka sees that his team needs to shore up its turnover issues.

The Celtics’ turnover woes became the theme of their Game 2 loss; the Warriors recorded 33 points off turnovers in the matchup. Boston ended up winning the turnover battle in Game 3, although Udoka’s squad did tally eight turnovers in the opening half of the contest.

Now heading into Game 4, Udoka believes that the Celtics must be a bit more assertive in simply taking care of the ball in order to prevent the Warriors from racking up fast-break points.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
serious looking Jaylen Brown (celtics jersey) next to a sad looking rafael devers (red sox jersey) on a boston city background
How Rafael Devers trade puts new spotlight on Jaylen Brown’s Celtics futureDaniel Donabedian ·
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center.
RUMOR: Kristaps Porzingis linked to Suns as Celtics explore trade optionsAlex House ·
Celtics forward Aaron Nesmith (26) signals after a three point shot against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. The Celtics won 145-117 during the second half
Exclusive: How Celtics ‘blindsided’ Aaron Nesmith with Pacers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) celebrates after winning the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Boston Celtics’ perfect outcome for No. 28 pick in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Boston’s trade outlook gets ‘positive’ twistErik Slater ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots a free throw in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden.
What Jaylen Brown’s surgery means for Celtics’ 2025-26 seasonDaniel Donabedian ·

“I think a big part of it is the turnovers, and that's the key,” Udoka said on Thursday. “If we're going to keep it simple and make the right read and make the right play, because they've had some adjustments throughout the series so far.

“A lot of it has had to do with switching matchups, but our quick recognition of how they're guarding and who they're trying to take away. … As far as the turnovers, we understand what our record is when we do and don't. The run that they had in the first half was due to that. A poor shot, we missed some free throws, but two of those were turnovers.”

As mentioned, eight of the Celtics’ 12 turnovers in Game 3 came in the first half, which kept the Warriors within striking distance of being a mere rally away from retaking the lead. The Warriors did just that in the second half, although keen shooting performances from the likes of Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart in the fourth quarter ended up clinching the victory for Boston.

All eyes are set on Game 4 of the series coming on Friday.