If you include the All-Star break, it had been 16 days since the Boston Celtics last won a game. At times, it’s felt longer. But at long last, the C’s got back in the win column, beating the lowly Washington Wizards 107-96 on Friday at TD Garden. The victory snapped a four-game losing skid in which the Celtics truly just played some appalling basketball at times. And though they didn’t deliver their best brand against the Wizards, a nice third quarter offensively and fourth defensively got them the win they’ve so desperately been seeking. But let’s not mistake what the win was. It was a morale booster, and nothing more. The Wizar... NESN.com
Tag: celtics
Evan Turner Believes Celtics Still Will Make NBA Finals Despite Struggles
Despite all the struggles the Celtics have faced and still currently are facing this season, there’s still one person who believes Boston will make the NBA Finals. While Skip Bayless is convinced the C’s are an “unfixable mess,” Evan Turner is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Turner, who spent two seasons with Boston, said he believed the Celtics had a team that could compete against the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game series. And despite the Green being in the midst of an identity crisis, the former Celtics’ mind hasn’t changed. “Don’t worry, the Celtics are going to be in the Finals,” he told the Boston Herald’s St... NESN.com
Marcus Smart Calls Out Celtics’ ‘Will To Fight’ After Ugly Loss To Bulls
What is going on with the Boston Celtics? That’s been the million-dollar question all season, as Boston has struggled against some of the league’s worst teams this season. That trend continued when the C’s suffered an ugly 126-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at United Center. Boston has yet to win since coming off its All-Star break. The Green, understandably, has high expectations to reach the NBA Finals, but it’s going to be a long, hard road if the team continues to struggle. If you ask Marcus Smart, though, he thinks he knows the reason behind why his team is having trouble winning. It’s certainly worrisome hearing one of... NESN.com
Why Stephen A. Smith Isn’t ‘Jumping Ship’ On Celtics’ NBA Finals Chances
Although the Celtics currently rank fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, there still are plenty of reasons to believe Boston can go on a run and reach the NBA Finals. Just ask Stephen A. Smith, who explained Friday on ESPN’s “First Take” why he’s not “jumping ship” on the Celtics despite their up-and-down season. “Milwaukee is not the team to beat in the East; they’re one of them,” Smith said. “But Boston is right there as well. I’m not jumping ship on the Celtics.” The C’s suffered a 98-97 loss to the Bucks on Thursday night, but Smith is convinced Boston could beat Milwaukee in the postseason if given the opportu... NESN.com
Celtics Wrap: Kyrie Irving Misses Tough Shot At Buzzer In 98-97 Loss To Bucks
The Celtics came stumbling out of the gate following the All-Star break, but so too did the Bucks. But when all was said in done at Fiserv Arena, it was Milwaukee claiming a thrilling 98-97 win over Boston in the first game after the All-Star break. The Celtics trailed by as many as nine in the fourth quarter, but made it a battle down the stretch. With time expiring though, Kyrie Irving was unable to sink a floater. Al Horford posted 21 points with a season-high 16 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum also had a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards. Irving (22 points), Jayson Tatum (17), Jaylen Brown (15) and Marcus Morris
Why Stephen A. Smith Believes Kyrie Irving Isn’t To Blame For Celtics’ Struggles
The Celtics’ roster features one of the best players the NBA has to offer, but some are starting to believe Boston might be better off without him. As if Kyrie Irving’s uncertain future hasn’t generated enough of a circus, a corner of the basketball world is of the mindset that the star point guard is to blame for the Celtics’ lingering struggles this season. But Stephen A. Smith, for one, believes this idea is ludicrous, and he explained why during Thursday’s edition of “First Take” on ESPN. It’s tough not to agree with Smith’s overarching point. The Celtics’ roster features a number of players at vastly different but equally... NESN.com
NBA Fines 76ers’ Joel Embiid For NSFW Shot At Refs After Loss To Celtics
Joel Embiid’s mouthy frustration has cost him. The NBA fined the Philadelphia 76ers center $ 25,000 on Wednesday for criticizing referees after his team’s loss to the Boston Celtics, according to The Associated Press. Embiid ended his postgame press conference Tuesday night with a high-profile NSFW comment about the referees, and the NBA quickly disciplined him for “public criticism of the officiating which included use of inappropriate language.” Embiid addressed his fine Wednesday night following the 76ers’ win over the New York Knicks. “I knew what I was getting into,” he said, per The AP. This proves it’s always cheap... NESN.com