Brad Stevens isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. While the Boston Celtics head coach never hesitates to credit his players when it’s due, he also doesn’t shy away from criticism when the C’s aren’t playing to the level they’re capable of. The latter largely has been the case for the C’s this preseason, which continued Tuesday night when Boston fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-95 at TD Garden. Following the loss, which dropped the Celtics to 1-2 in the preseason, Stevens didn’t mince words when assessing his team’s play of late. Stevens’ words are warranted. While you shouldn’t put too much stock in the preseas... NESN.com
Tag: Stevens
Jayson Tatum’s Favorite Brad Stevens Moment Highlights Celtics Coach’s Genius
During a recent appearance on the Ringer’s “Bill Simmons Podcast,” Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was asked when he realized just how good of a coach Brad Stevens was. Tatum didn’t miss a beat. “Right away,” he told Simmons. But Tatum’s favorite example of Stevens’ coaching brilliance didn’t come until very late in the season: the now-famous inbound play to Al Horford in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. The play Stevens concocted sprung Horford free for a go-ahead layup with 5.5 seconds remaining in overtime, helping vault Boston to a 101-98 win and a 3-0 series lead that al... NESN.com
Brad Stevens Had Simple Message For Terry Rozier After Eric Bledsoe Scuffle
BOSTON — Brad Stevens keeps it short and sweet. The Boston Celtics head coach has a knack for communicating with his players, whether it’s getting more out of them in clutch situations or helping them keep their heads in the game when the moment might get the better of them. Such was the case in the third quarter of the C’s 92-87 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series. Celtics guard Terry Rozier and Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe have been exchanging words all series, and the rivalry boiled over when the two got into a scuffle that saw Bledsoe get hit with a flagrant foul and Rozier
Brad Stevens Knows Celtics Must ‘Find Some Answers’ For Talented Bucks
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics had only seen the Milwaukee Bucks once before their 103-100 loss Wednesday night, but the Bucks clearly present a challenge to the Celtics. Milwaukee’s ability to put rangy, athletic lineups on the floor bothered Boston for most of the night, especially during the first half. And if the two teams were to meet in the NBA playoffs, the Celtics will need to figure out how to attack the Bucks. “They’ve been one of the best teams in the East over the last month and a half,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “So, I’m not surprised by their level and their level is really high. When we go small
Celtics Notes: Ex-Butler Player’s Family Grateful For Brad Stevens’ Visit
The Boston Celtics weren’t too inspiring on the court against the Chicago Bulls. But sometimes events transpire that are bigger than the game of basketball. Such was the case Thursday, when head coach Brad Stevens missed the Celtics’ game at United Center to visit former Butler player Andrew Smith, who has battling cancer for two years and recently was readmitted to an Indiana hospital. How much did making that trip mean to Stevens? According to assistant coach Jay Larranaga, the Celtics head coach informed his staff 30 minutes before a noon team meeting he needed to leave immediately and visit Smith. “He makes it very clear to our players...
Brad Stevens Sees Reasons For Optimism In Celtics’ Loss To Trail Blazers
by Zack Cox on Sun, Nov 23, 2014 at 10:39PM BOSTON — Brad Stevens wasn’t hanging his head Sunday after his Celtics dropped their fifth game in six tries. Because although Boston ultimately unraveled in a 94-88 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, its head coach saw something from his team that has been conspicuously absent this season: actual, real, NBA-quality defense. For the better part of three quarters, the Celtics smothered the high-powered Blazers, who came into TD Garden ranked sixth in the NBA in scoring and had been held to fewer than 100 points in just three of their first 12 games. A 10-0 Portland run to open the