Boston Celtics forward Semi Ojeleye shared his thoughts about the upcoming NBA Christmas Day game against the Toronto Raptors.
Q: Are Christmas Day games any more special for you than other games?
SO: “I remember growing up watching games on Christmas because your home with your family, everybody’s home whether they’re away from school or work. It’s just nice to be with family and watch a game. You know more people are watching, spending the holiday watching you. It’s special to be able to play on that day. I remember that special day watching.”
Q: Will you and your teammates have anything special? I know you’re playing at noon. Anything you’re doing the night before?
SO: “Nothing before. I’ll be with my brother. I’ll be with the rest of my family. I think everybody’s going to try and enjoy as much time with their family as they can, as well as trying to prepare for the game.”
Q: Are they going to come to Toronto with you?
SO: “Yeah, my brother is coming to the game. A lot of people will bring their family with them, too.”
Q: They are the defending champs, but they are a little different. Without Kawhi (Leonard), is there still some ‘juice’ because you’re playing the defending champs on the holiday?
SO: “There should always be ‘juice.’ It’s the NBA, especially the way the league has grown. I think every night you respect who you’re playing, no matter who you’re playing. That’s the thing about this league – any night you can get beat. Knowing it’s on Christmas, knowing they’re the defending champs, we’ll be that much more ready.”
Q: How different are they without Kawhi? Where are they different?
SO: “(Pascal) Siakam is playing well. (Kyle) Lowry is, obviously, an All Star. They have a lot of guys around those two that play hard, they play the right way and they’re well coached. So, you’re going into a tough environment. They’re still championship-caliber, they’re still a great team and you have to respect them.”
Q: How different is it this year with Kemba (Walker), having him on the team with his leadership role, his demeanour, the whole thing?
SO: “His demeanour is always high. I’ve never seen a guy that will miss a shot and always smile. It’s good to have a guy like that, it lifts everybody’s spirit and I think it just helps everybody loosen up. In a league where there’s a lot going on around you, it helps to have a guy like that, that tries to boost everybody.”
Q: I know this is a big picture question: Do you feel like this team is made to go deep in the Eastern Conference?
SO: “Yeah, that’s obviously the goal. We know we have the pieces, but we also know that we have to put the work in every day to reach that goal and realize if we skip steps, we’re never going to get there. So, it starts today, tomorrow in Dallas in practice and after that and after that.”
NBA Christmas Day games are available to watch on Sky Sports Arena on Dec. 25 starting from 5pm in the UK.
