Ime Udoka leads Boston to a big win, Dosunmu and other Nigerians star as the NBA resumes

The 2021/22 NBA regular season returned with seven games after a week-long break for the All-Star weekend followed by a four-day rest period.

There were four Nigerians involved in those seven games, three players and one coach; here is how they all fared on the night.

Ime Udoka

Ime Udoka USA Today

Boston Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka led his team to a 23-point win over Eastern Conference rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics thrashed the Nets 129-106 in Brooklyn, making it 10 wins from the last 11 games for Ime Udoka.

This is the second time in February that the Celtics have decimated the Nets in their own backyard, the 126-91 win earlier this month in Brooklyn comes to mind as well.

Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is the first and only Nigerian head coach in NBA history AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Ime Udoka has built a team that is comfortable playing on the road in front of hostile crowds as they are currently on a run of six consecutive away wins.

The Celtics are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, four games behind the Chicago Bulls who occupy the first seed.

Ayo Dosunmu

Ayo Dosunmu NBC Sports

Speaking of the Chicago Bulls, they beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-108 and Nigerian guard, Ayo Dosunmu started the game and played 34 minutes.

Dosunmu had a good night with 12 points, six rebounds and three assists on 55% shooting. The rookie made five of nine shot attempts, including two from three-point range, while also blocking three shots to cap off an impressive performance on both ends of the court.

The 22-year old has benefitted from injuries to key players on the Bulls roster and has started to establish himself as a competent 3-and-D player.

Onyeka Okongwu

Onyeka Okongwu CBS Sports

On the receiving end of Dosunmu’s great display was Onyeka Okongwu who contributed eight points, four rebounds and five assists in a losing effort off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks.

Okongwu only played 18 minutes but was efficient, making all three of his field-goal attempts and ending the game with one steal.

Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro USA Today

Small forward, Isaac Okoro started and played 27 minutes for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they lost 106-103 away at the Detroit Pistons.

Okoro scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds and recorded one steal while shooting 67% from the field, making four of his six attempts including two three-pointers.