Let’s get this right out of the way: Marcus Smart is not especially good at shooting a basketball. In fact, you could say he’s among the worst long-range shooters in the NBA. There is a “however” here, however. Smart long has frustrated Boston Celtics fans by firing up brick after brick from beyond the arch. But this season, at least, the Celtics guard actually has been as good as one of the NBA’s premier marksmen. Check out this wild stat from MassLive’s Tom Westerholm: That’s right: Smart basically has been as good as Klay Thompson from 3-point range this season. Through 23 games, Smart has made 25 of 75 shots from ... NESN.com
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Patriots Notes: James Develin, Touchdown Machine, Is Unlikely Offensive Hero Vs. Vikings
by Zack Cox on Sun, Dec 2, 2018 at 10:43PM FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots found an unexpected solution to their goal-line issues Sunday: Just hand the ball to James Develin. Never known for his ball-carrying abilities, the Pro Bowl fullback was an unlikely offensive hero in Sunday’s 24-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings, scoring the third and fourth touchdowns of his seven-year NFL career on a pair of goal-line plunges. “Honestly, I’ve never dreamt about a game ... NESN.com
Celtics Notes: Gordon Hayward’s Huge Night Propels Celtics Past Timberwolves
Gordon Hayward has been under the microscope since he suffered his gruesome ankle/leg injury last October. After his devastating injury, some wondered if he ever would be the same. Those questions have haunted the 2017 All-Star throughout the season as he has been working to knock the rust off. The Butler product started the season slow, and even was moved to an unfamiliar role on the bench, but has shown glimpses of his former self lately. On Saturday night, Hayward showed the NBA world he still can ball at an elite level. Hayward was the knight in shining armor the Boston Celtics needed Saturday in their 118-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwol... NESN.com
Red Sox Pay Tribute To George HW Bush After Death Of 41st US President
George H.W. Bush, of course, is best known for his accomplishments as the 41st United States President and as a celebrated World War II combat pilot. But Bush, who died Friday night at 94, also was a huge sports fan — especially of baseball. The former president was the captain of the Yale varsity baseball team, played in the first two College World Series and eventually watched his son, former U.S. President George W. Busch, serve as the controlling owner of the Texas Rangers from 1989 until 1998. Bush also frequented Houston Astros games with his late wife, Barbara Bush, as well as Portland Sea Dogs games when the two vacationed in Kennebunkport,
How Julian Edelman Balances Playing Smart With Desire To ‘Go 120’
by Zack Cox on Fri, Nov 30, 2018 at 4:17PM FOXBORO, Mass. — Julian Edelman went airborne multiple times during last Sunday’s win over the New York Jets, crashing hard to the MetLife Stadium turf on two separate occasions. The New England Patriots wide receiver, who’s made a living absorbing bone-crushing hits from much larger defenders, was asked Friday whether he ever thinks about preserving his body when he’s on the field. Is it the best idea to allow yourself to be cartwheeled ... NESN.com
MLB Rumors: Yankees, Marlins Have Discussed J.T. Realmuto, Gary Sanchez Swap
Could the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins be sporting new backstops next season? Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is regarded as the top catcher available for trade or in free agency this offseason as Miami continues its full-fledged rebuild. He’s under contract for two more seasons, is strong defensively and has a capable at-bat as well. The Yankees reportedly have expressed some interest, according to FanCred Sports’ John Heyman, and in making the deal happen they would part ways with Gary Sanchez. However, that’s where the trouble in negotiations start. “The issue with the Yankees’ talks,” Heyman wrote, “apparently is that ... NESN.com
Ben Roethlisberger Believes He’s ‘Earned The Right’ To Critique Teammates
The Steelers are first in the AFC North and have had a strong season despite some in-house drama, but that won’t stop Ben Roethlisberger from calling out his teammates. Pittsburgh holds a 7-3-1 record and is coming off a tough 24-17 loss to Denver Broncos on Sunday that saw the Steelers surrender the No. 2 seed in the AFC to the New England Patriots. Roethlisberger threw a late interception that ultimately sealed the win for Denver. Although it was Roethlisberger’s throw that helped hand Pittsburgh its third loss of the season, the signal-caller criticized rookie wide receiver James Washington, who dropped a crucial pass he dove for rather than runn... NESN.com