If you’ve talked to a Boston Celtics fan for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard some version of this argument: The Celtics are one or two pieces away from being a championship contender. They should sign Gordon Hayward in free agency and flip the No. 1 pick for Jimmy Butler or Paul George, pairing two All-Stars with star point guard Isaiah Thomas and versatile big man Al Horford. With that group plus budding star Jaylen Brown and a strong bench, this team could knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference and make a serious run at the Golden State Warriors for the NBA title. Sounds peachy, right? It’s not a far... NESN.com
Tag: celtics
LeBron James, Cavs’ Big Three Dash Any Chance Celtics Had To Come Back
The Boston Celtics had to be feeling good at halftime Tuesday night. They had just played a great first half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and LeBron James already was in foul trouble with the C’s leading by 10 at the break. “I thought we played as well as maybe we have the entire playoffs during the first half,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters afterward. But that good feeling was a fleeting one. The Cavs erased what once was a 16-point deficit and charged to a 112-99 win at Quicken Loans Arena. And with the win, they took a 3-1 series lead and moved one victory away from reaching
Kelly Olynyk Just Earned A Place Alongside John Havlicek In Celtics History
John Havlicek stealing the ball is one of the most iconic moments in Boston Celtics history. But on Monday night, the Basketball Hall of Famer was equaled by none other than Kelly Olynyk. (On paper, at least.) How is this possible? Well, Olynyk tallied 26 points off the bench in Boston’s series-clinching, Game 7 win over the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. That’s the most points by a Celtics reserve player in a postseason Game 7 since — you guessed it — Havlicek, who dropped 26 points off the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals. Olynyk’s 26 points also were the most by any NBA reserve in a
Celtics Believe Home-Court Advantage Will Play Pivotal Role In Game 7
The Boston Celtics went after the best record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference exactly for this reason. The Celtics will face the Washington Wizards in a winner-take-all Game 7 on Monday night, and they’ll be playing the game on their home court thanks to that record. NESN.com’s Courtney Cox caught up with Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford and Avery Bradley at practice Sunday, and the C’s believe that the crowd at TD Garden will give them a huge boost in the biggest game of their season. To hear from Celtics practice, check out the video above from “NESN Sports Today,” presented by People’s Untied Bank. ... NESN.com
Kevin Garnett On Reunion Minus Ray Allen: ‘It Was All Celtics Invited To This’
Kevin Garnett had a reunion with some former Boston Celtics teammates on “KG’s Area 21” segment Monday on TNT, with one notable exclusion — Ray Allen. Garnett was joined by Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Glen “Big Baby” Davis and Kendrick Perkins and, of course, some hilarity ensued. But eventually, Garnett and Pierce explained their feelings toward Allen, who left the Celtics for the Miami Heat after the 2011-12 season, and obviously, there still are some hard feelings, at least on one end. “People don’t understand that this is real life for us,” Garnett said, as transcribed by For The Win’s Andrew Joseph. “The situation with R... NESN.com
Isaiah Thomas, John Wall Both Know Celtics, Wizards Don’t Like Each Other
The Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards clearly don’t like each other. The two teams exchanged unpleasantries throughout the regular season, and the rivalry has boiled over into their Eastern Conference semifinals series. While the first two games at TD Garden were physical, they didn’t hold a candle to Game 3 at the Verizon Center on Thursday night. Three players were ejected from the contest, which Washington ultimately won 116-89. Kelly Oubre Jr. was the first player tossed from the game after he viciously shoved Kelly Olynyk in the second quarter. Terry Rozier and Brandon Jennings followed suit in the fourth quarter, as both players wer... NESN.com
NBA Playoffs 2017: Celtics Vs. Wizards Second-Round Prediction; Keys To Victory
The Eastern Conference semifinals are set, and the Boston Celtics will take on the Washington Wizards in their second-round NBA playoff matchup. The Celtics and Wizards are evenly matched, as each team implements a strong backcourt with complementary wing players. The two teams’ area of struggle also is similar, as neither squad has the personnel to dominate on the glass. Considering all of the similarities, it comes as no surprise the Celtics and Wizards split their regular-season series, with the home team winning each contest. Luckily for the top-seeded Celtics, they will have home-court advantage in the series, which kicks off Sunday at TD Garden.... NESN.com